This Admissions Policy sets out the process and criteria used to select exhibitors for the Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair. It ensures transparency, consistency, and fairness, while preserving the creative and curated nature of the event. It also serves to clarify the basis on which applications are reviewed, and to provide guidance in response to unsuccessful applications.
The Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair is a curated event. As such, participation is not guaranteed and places are limited. For example, in 2024, over 200 applications were received for just 71 available stalls. Accordingly, a rigorous and competitive selection process is essential.
A team of nine individuals from the Makers Cornwall management team collectively reviews all applications.
Each panel member reviews every application and provides an initial vote: Yes, No, or Maybe. Following this, a second round of review takes place in which all ‘Maybe’ applications are reassessed and re-voted upon to arrive at a final Yes or No.
The following factors guide the selection process:
To maintain a vibrant and diverse event, we consider the balance across disciplines (e.g. ceramics, textiles, illustration), and strive to ensure that the fair is not overly repetitive year to year. This means that even experienced and previously successful exhibitors may not be selected in a given year.
We recognise and value our returning stallholders. However, repeat participation is not guaranteed. Selection is based on merit and event balance for each fair, not on prior attendance. We may occasionally choose to pause or rotate longstanding participants in order to give visibility to new talent and fresh work.
Due to the high volume of applications and the complex nature of our decision-making process, we regret that we are unable to offer individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
The selection decision is final and not subject to appeal. This policy exists to ensure applicants understand that non-selection does not reflect negatively on their work or their professional standing, but rather on curatorial considerations specific to the event.
Unsuccessful applicants are warmly encouraged to reapply in future years. Decisions in one year do not determine future outcomes, and we value the breadth and quality of all applicants.
The Makers Cornwall team approaches selection with professionalism, care, and deep appreciation for the creative work submitted. Every application is thoroughly reviewed, and decisions are made with the integrity and quality of the event in mind.
