Circle Craft Christmas Market

The renowned Vancouver Christmas tradition is now part of the Signatures family of shows! Circle Craft is western Canada’s largest craft market, and a premier destination for the country’s absolute finest artisans, artists and designers. This beautiful and dynamic show takes place inside the Vancouver Convention Centre, located on the downtown Vancouver waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop. For five days – including the Remembrance Day statutory holiday – exhibitors can expect enormous crowds of generational visitors who have been cherishing this Canadian craft institution, year after year, since 1972.

Signatures Shows and Circle Craft

Signatures operates the Circle Craft Christmas Market in a manner befit of the quality and professionalism that our reputation has accrued as Canada’s industry leader in craft event production, and in keeping with the co-operative’s mission statement to support and promote the work of co-operative members, as well as excellence in British Columbian craft. With the jurying process jointly undertaken by Signatures and Circle Craft, our collaborative efforts not only continue on the show’s established success, but we continue to build toward the future. Signatures is the most accomplished and experienced show producer in Canada. Having produced over 400 shows, we know what it takes to ensure a smooth-running event. We are a team of experienced show managers and staff committed to serving the best interests of the exhibitors and shopping public. 

What You Get - All in pricing

Our exhibit price is an all-inclusive package: Included is 8’ high booth draping (back & sides), electrical power, storage, show promotional literature, show programme listing, overnight security, carpeted aisles, descriptive artisan information, pre-show media opportunities, in-show artisan promotions, discounted hotel rates, discounted shipping rates and free material handling when using the official show carrier and priority consideration for acceptance into all of our shows. Unlike others, with Signatures there are no hidden costs!

Acceptance Process

The acceptance and selection of the 2022 show participants is a multi-stage process. Phase 1 of acceptances focuses on processing the applications received from Circle Craft Members and the returning 2021 exhibitors who took advantage of the early-bird registration. This initial phase occurs in March. In Phase 2 we will jury, consider, and decide upon all other applications that were received by April 10, 2022 that were not included in Phase 1. The Phase 2 application process will be completed in April. In May, after completion of these initial two Phases, we will review the applications received after April 10, 2022. Applications in Phase 3 will be selected based upon remaining availability in product category quotas and replacements for any cancellation received. The show will have a waiting list that you may be placed on if your application is unsuccessful. Upon acceptance, participants will be notified of set up details and ongoing show related correspondence via the email address provided in this application.

Online Application Process

We have made our 2022 online application form as clear, concise, and user-friendly as technology allows. Please just follow the outlined steps, completing each one in its entirety and then click SUBMIT.  The eleven steps to be part of the 2022 Circle Craft Christmas Market are as follows:

Step 1 - Review and agree to our Criteria, Eligibility and Site-exclusivity requirements.

Step 2 - Review and agree to our Terms and Conditions, Acceptance, Health Protocols and Cancellation Policy.

Step 3 - Select your product category. Review the available exhibit booth sizes, types and fees.

Step 4 - Select your 1st and 2nd choice in booth size and type that you are applying for.

Step 5 - List the products you wish to display and sell at the show.

Step 6 - Complete the detailed applicant information section.

Step 7 - Upload the eight product images required for jurying.

Step 8 - Upload your supporting materials; Booth display, workshop photo, résumé/CV, art statement and statement of production process.

Step 9 - Authorize the processing of the $10 application fee and $400 deposit (only if you are accepted).

Step 10 - Submit your completed application.

 

Criteria

The Circle Craft Christmas Market is a juried event. The jury selection committee will be comprised of Signatures personnel and members of the Circle Craft Co-operative, and selected applications must be approved by both organizations. The primary basis for acceptance is the excellence of design, quality, uniqueness, originality, and superior craftsmanship of the work to be sold. Acceptance is also based on booth display, product packaging, and product categories within the show. Jewellery may not be sold unless specifically juried and accepted. Gourmet Food and Body Care applicants may be required to submit samples on request. 

Eligibility

You must be the designer and the creator of the work to be displayed and sold. Only work produced in Canada by you or under your direct supervision will be considered. Reproduction aids such as moulds used in jewellery or ceramics must be the creation of the applying artisan. Commercially manufactured products, work assembled from commercial kits or materials, or work represented by dealers or agents will not be allowed.

Site Exclusivity - Vancouver Convention Centre

To protect the unique character of the Circle Craft Christmas Market within the Vancouver Convention Centre you agree not to have your products available at, any markets, craft, handmade, or similar type show, or any handmade feature areas of other types of shows that are larger than 50 exhibitors (excluding shows produced by Signatures, farmers markets, or community sponsored events), within or on the grounds of The Vancouver Convention Centre 30 days before or during the dates of the show.

Terms and Conditions of Acceptance

Applications must include the non-refundable $10 application fee.

If your application is accepted, the first deposit of $400 will be processed using the credit card you entered in this application. The remaining booth payments due will be indicated in your contract with a variety of available deferred payment options.

You will receive your letter of acceptance and show contract to the email address entered on the application form. Please read these documents carefully. The contract will indicate the booth size and type for which you have been accepted. We attempt to accommodate your original request, but this is not always possible, and an alternative size may be contracted. The products that you are accepted to display, and sell will also be indicated. Only the products that were submitted for jurying and indicated in the show contract will be allowed at the show. You must sign, date, and return the contract by the indicated due date. You must also select one of our payment options as indicated in the contract and include post-dated payments as outlined.

Health and Safety Protocols

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place. Please note that this is subject to change. 

Cancellation of Your Participation 

If you can no longer participate in the show and we have issued you a contract, cancellation fees will apply and the $250 deposit amount is non-refundable. If you cancel your participation up to 60 days prior to the first day of the show you will receive a refund of 50% of your total payments made to date not including the non-refundable deposit. If you cancel less than 60 days prior to the first day of the show, there will be no refund of any payments or deposits. Cancellation fees will be applied if you are unable to participate in the show due to the re-introduction of COVID safety protocols. 

Cancellation of the show

Should the show be cancelled due to COVID-19 or for any other reason, Signatures will issue full refunds of your deposit(s) in a prompt manner. If the show proceeds, even with restrictive COVID-19 protocols in place, including fully vaccinated requirements for exhibitors, all cancellations will be subject to our general cancellation and refund policy. Please refer to the FAQ for exhibitors at https://signatures.ca/faqs/#exhibitors

Please upload eight high resolution, close-up, focused images of the work you would like to display and sell at the show, (maximum size 5mb each). The only accepted formats for photo images are JPEG or PNG.

Booth Display - Upload a photo of your exhibit booth. 

Workshop - Upload two photos of your studio and of you working in it. These images should present an overall view of your workspace and of you actively at work.  

 

Résumé/CV - Please upload your résumé/CV. PDF or Word document format only.

Art Statement - Please upload your Art and Design Personal Statement and a detailed description of your production process. PDF or Word document format only.

Your Signature and Declaration of Authenticity

I am the creator and producer of the products that I intend to sell at the Circle Craft Christmas Market. I understand that digitally signing my name constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and agree to all terms and conditions in this Agreement contained herein.