Opportunities

Call for Applications: ‘THE GIFT’ (Christmas Selling Exhibition)

24 July 2025

Deadline: September 5, 2025

 

Craft NI Gallery are inviting applications from makers across a variety of craft disciplines to take part in ‘THE GIFT’, a curated Christmas exhibition celebrating both the accomplishments of local craft makers and elegance of artisan gifting.

This winter, we seek thoughtfully-designed and beautifully-crafted works that highlight the concept of considered gifting, as well as showing the gifts and dedication of designer-makers, reflecting their mastery of material and unique design.  These contemporary works, functional or decorative, will be objects made to be cherished and given with intention.

The exhibition will refresh the concept of festive gifting with unique, handcrafted gift ideas that celebrate and support makers, thoughtful gift givers and cherished receivers in equal measure.

We welcome submissions from designer-makers working in (but not limited to): ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, jewellery, metalwork, print, leather, book arts, basketry, and mixed media.

Selected makers will be showcased in a gallery setting, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, originality, and quality. This is a unique opportunity to reach engaged audiences looking for memorable handmade gifts.

‘The Gift’ will be  promoted as a selling exhibition both in Craft NI Gallery and online via our exhibition website.The exhibition will benefit from seasonal photography, in-house marketing, paid and organic social media promotion, and will target both our existing audience  and new customers in Northern Ireland and further afield. It will also benefit from an increased tourist footfall as Belfast is becoming a significant attraction for staycations / short trips during the winter months.

The Christmas exhibition accepts applications from all supported craft disciplines.

Submitted work needs to be:

– new work or, if you are a maker already selling through the Gallery,  work that has not been shown in the Gallery in the last two years;

– applications using drawings or works in progress will be accepted;

– we encourage submission of work that is suitable for Christmas gifting / ranges with various pieces (entry points as well as possibly a focal piece)

– our research of Craft NI Gallery’s customers average spend during November/December suggests (but is not be limited to) a £100-£500 price range.

– Own Art is available in Craft NI Gallery, allowing collectors to spread payments.

– If you are a craft retailer who also makes your own ranges, you may wish to consider this as an opportunity to reach new audiences.

ABOUT THE GALLERY:

CRAFT NI is the sector lead body and Champion for Craft in Northern Ireland. Craft NI Gallery is our exhibition and retail gallery, and Belfast’s only craft dedicated venue; located in the heart of Belfast’s busy Cathedral Quarter at 115 – 119 Royal Avenue, it has an exhibition space which showcases the works in a professional gallery setting; the works will also be available online via our exhibition portal: https://exhibitions.craftni.org.

Before submitting this application, please ensure you have read through all information below:

Craft NI Gallery Terms and Conditions:  Terms & Conditions
Craft disciplines we support: Who We Support

To apply, please click HERE.

For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us: gallery@craftni.org

KEY DATES:

Application Deadline | Friday, September 5, 2025 by 5pm.
Notification | by September 12, 2025.
Delivery of Work | by October 8, 2025.  We strongly encourage early delivery of work as we will be organising professional photography and we are working towards press deadlines!

‘The Gift’ | 6 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

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