Organizer Information
MAKE Southwest is an established contemporary craft organization based in the United Kingdom. It operates as a nationally recognized craft centre featuring exhibition galleries, a retail shop, workshop spaces, and a café, alongside an active maker membership network. The organization is part of the Arts Council England National Portfolio, which positions it within a framework of publicly funded cultural institutions supporting artistic production, education, and public engagement.
MAKE Southwest focuses on promoting excellence in contemporary craft, supporting both emerging and established designer-makers. Its programming includes curated exhibitions, educational initiatives, and commercial opportunities that connect makers with collectors, curators, and the wider public. The institution is known for maintaining high curatorial standards and for fostering sustainable craft practices, while also contributing to craft education through exhibition-generated revenue and outreach activities.
Title & Description
Under the Tree 2026 – Contemporary Crafts for Christmas
“Under the Tree” is an annual curated craft exhibition held in the Jubilee Gallery at MAKE Southwest. The 2026 edition will run as a festive, sustainable alternative to conventional Christmas retail environments, combining the atmosphere of a craft fair with the refinement of a professionally curated gallery exhibition.
The exhibition is designed as a seasonal retail showcase where visitors can purchase high-quality, handmade objects directly from selected UK-based makers. The focus is on contemporary craft objects that are both aesthetically refined and commercially accessible, supporting a wide spectrum of price points and audiences. The exhibition also contributes its proceeds to MAKE Southwest’s craft education and public programming.
Selected makers will present work that is ready for display in a gallery environment and suitable for a high-traffic festive retail context. The emphasis is on diversity of materials, strong visual presentation, and work that communicates both craftsmanship and market readiness. The exhibition attracts significant visitor numbers annually (approximately 15,000–20,000 visitors per show), providing strong exposure for participating artists.
Categories
- Contemporary Craft
- Ceramics
- Jewellery
- Textiles
- Glass
- Woodwork
- Mixed Media Craft
- Design Objects
- Small Sculpture
- Functional Art / Applied Arts
Eligibility
- Open to UK-based designer-makers only
- Both emerging and established makers may apply
- Individuals or studio practitioners working in craft disciplines
- Applicants must have work suitable for retail display and public handling
- Makers with active professional presence (including social media visibility) are encouraged
- Applicants must be willing to promote the exhibition through their own networks
International applicants are not eligible for this specific edition.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition participation in a high-profile curated craft show
- Exposure to approximately 15,000–20,000 exhibition visitors
- Inclusion in a nationally recognized craft institution with a strong reputation
- Marketing support, including promotional materials and digital assets
- Promotion through MAKE Southwest’s channels (16K+ Instagram audience and broader digital reach)
- Association with a respected Arts Council England National Portfolio Organization
- Opportunity for direct sales in a curated festive retail environment
- Professional exhibition installation and curatorial presentation
- No submission fee and free participation
- Potential inclusion in Bloomberg Connects digital platform exposure
Sales are subject to commission:
- 50% commission on sales up to £1,000
- 30% commission on sales above £1,000
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Personal and business details (name, trading name, contact info)
- Website and social media links (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
- Artist CV (PDF/DOC)
- Artist statement
- Retail pricing information (including commission-adjusted pricing)
- Description of best-selling works
- Six high-quality images of work (1–10MB each, JPG/PNG)
- Image captions including description and retail price
- Optional additional statement (e.g., sustainability practices, charitable contributions, production ethics)
All submitted work images must clearly represent the actual pieces intended for exhibition.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
- Outcome Notification: 16 July 2026
- Delivery (Jewellery): 26 September 2026
- Delivery (All Other Works): 1–3 October 2026
- Exhibition Dates: 24 October 2026 – 9 January 2027
- Opening Event: 23 October 2026
- Collection / Return of Works: 12–15 January 2027
Location
Jubilee Gallery, MAKE Southwest, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The exhibition is designed as a sustainable, festive retail alternative emphasizing handmade production over mass consumer goods
- Artists are responsible for delivery and return logistics, though assistance may be arranged
- Unsold works can be returned or collected; return shipping may be deducted from sales proceeds
- Works must be professionally finished and ready for gallery display
- Strong emphasis is placed on presentation quality, pricing accessibility, and market readiness
- Artists are expected to participate in promotional activity, including social media engagement
- The exhibition operates with a curated selection process and not all submitted works will be accepted