Becoming a Gallery Shop Artist - 10 questions we often hear
The Alberta Craft Council is currently accepting applications from craft artists to become part of the Gallery Shop.
To help you in this process, Rael and Corinne, Shop Coordinators in Edmonton and Calgary sat down to jot down what the most frequently asked questions are.
For all the nitty-gritty details, please read the Guidelines document.
Do I have to be a full-time, professional artist to apply?
If you’re a craft artist who is looking for a quality retail venue dedicated to showcasing excellence in craft, this opportunity is for you. We encourage emerging to established artists working in craft media to apply. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate dedication to their practice and showcase professional growth through experiences such as learning experiences, career goal setting, community involvement, and entrepreneurship.
We expect to see a commitment to your craft, but you do not have to be a full-time artist/craftsperson to apply; as artists ourselves, we understand that many artists balance their craft careers with other jobs and endeavours.
Signs that the Gallery Shop is the right opportunity for you: you have specialized training in your discipline, either academic and/or self-taught or traditional knowledge. You operate a studio practice and create a distinctive body of work. You have experience self-selling your work, and the valuable direct customer feedback that comes from this experience. You are on an active career path, expanding your body of work and business.
2. What is the Alberta Craft Council looking for in an application?
An application should demonstrate the skills and qualifications of those who pursuing a career in craft. We’re not looking for a specific aesthetic but rather a dedication to your craft and creative expression. We encourage you to apply if you are making work in traditional/heritage and/ contemporary craft in glass, wood, fibre, stone, metal, jewellery, clay, and other media, utilitarian or sculptural work. **Please note our focus is on craft, therefore do not accept painting, drawing, photography, or printmaking on paper.
3. I don’t live in Alberta, am I eligible to apply?
Applicants must be Canadian residents and be Alberta-based artists. We carry 90% of Alberta-based artists in our shop. We will consider out-of-province applicants that have strong ties to Alberta through contributions to the craft community, education, etc. or who are creating exceptional work that is distinct from other work carried in the gallery.
4. Do I need to be a member of the Alberta Craft Council to apply?
No, you are not required to be a member to apply (but we encourage everyone pursuing a career in craft to join). Once accepted into the shop we require all Gallery Shop artists to maintain professional membership status ($120 annual fee). If you aren’t a member yet and would like to learn more visit our membership page.
5. Can I choose if I want my work sold in Calgary or Edmonton, or both?
No, applications will not be reviewed for a specific location, we take into consideration many factors when deciding which work is represented in each space. Typically work is initially accepted into our Edmonton Gallery Shop since it is a larger retail space with up to 150 artists. We routinely select artists represented from the Edmonton shop to rotate into our Calgary Gallery Shop.
*As a note to current consignors, if you are already a consignor at one of the locations, you do not need to apply to have your work in the other location.
6. What is the consignment commission rate?
We offer a 60/40 split for all work sold through the shop. Artists receive 60 % of the retail value of sold work. The Gallery Shop receives a 40 % commission.
7. Why is there a commission retained?
Our Gallery Shops are an important part of the Craft Council, running as a social enterprise. Profits derived from our retail activity go directly back toward supporting craft artists and the sector. Gallery Shop revenue supports the operation of the Shop, providing vital career support and professional development for artists, opportunities for the public to celebrate our province’s rich craft traditions and contemporary craft culture. Extra shop revenue also contributes towards our exhibitions, Alberta Craft Magazine, national and international exposure, hands-on demonstrations, artist lectures, and other free public programming. The consignment rate is non-negotiable.
8. I am having issues with the online application. What can I do?
We’re happy to help. Please send questions to shop@albertacraft.ab.ca or call 780-488-5900 during our regular business hours. You can download the questionnaire reference document to be prepared. We have two dedicated staff members to managing both Gallery Shops, Rael in Edmonton and Corinne in Calgary, and we both can provide support through the application process.
9. Can I apply anytime?
There is an annual call for applications usually open from February to March for spring/summer intake. Phase-one applications open Friday, February 19, 2021. Applications will only be accepted during the annual intake period. If you miss the FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 deadline you can re-apply the following year during the next call.
10. Can I apply again if my application is not successful in phase-one?
Yes! After reviewing all the received applications in phase-one, we will provide general feedback for all applicants. We encourage you to look at all possible points for improvement in your next submission. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot give individualized feedback to phase-one applicants. Those who proceed to phase two of the application process will receive more individualized feedback.
A few extra bits of advice to get you rolling with the best application possible
Tell your story: We want to know your story. Express it by telling us what makes your work uniquely you. Be authentic when discussing your experiences and your future career goals.
We are looking for applicants who demonstrate dedication to their practice and showcase professional growth through experience such as learning experiences, career goal setting, community involvement, and entrepreneurship.
Aside from the technical requirements of the applications, we would like to see applicants’ express interest in contributing and connecting to their craft community.
Images are worth a thousand words: You do not have to have professional photos taken. If you are taking your own images, take the time to create a set-up that allows for the best photographs possible in a well-lit and neutral environment that does not distract from the work. Images that are blurry, low-quality, poorly lit or with distracting backgrounds will not highlight the best qualities of your work.
Proofread: Make sure that you spend enough time editing your application. Ask a friend or colleague to read over your application to ensure it’s free of errors or omissions.
Check out the gallery: If you can, come to visit either one of our locations in Edmonton or Calgary to get to know us and what we do.
Ready? Apply today!
Revised March 1, 2021/