Open Call: Pride in Craft 2026

Craft Ontario is seeking submissions for an in-person retail feature that will highlight the recent work of 2SLGBTQIAP+ Craft Artists from June 12 - July 12, 2026, as well as a written feature on the Craft Ontario website. 

This feature has developed over the past several years from a partnership with the ArQuives, in which Craft Ontario presented craft items from fonds in relation to the work of current craft artists, to last year's online juried feature of recent works of seven extraordinary trans and queer craft artists in Ontario, to now being a juried feature with access to a wider arts market in the Craft Ontario Shop. 

"Craft" typically involves handmade objects with a functional purpose, using the following materials:

• Glass
• Clay
• Textile
• Wood
• Metal
• Paper
• Printmaking
• Stone
• If your material/medium is not listed but you believe your work still fits the "Craft" criteria, please submit!
  

With the purpose of selling the accepted work, this year's Pride in Craft offers artists the opportunity to highlight a range of work, including large or one-of-a-kind pieces, and production work in the Craft Ontario Queen Shop - located at 1106 Queen St W, Toronto, ON. All work displayed in the Feature must be for sale and should have the potential to sell in a retail setting. 

Accepted applicants will receive the following:

• Artwork displayed in the Craft Ontario Queen Shop for the specified duration
• A complimentary 1-year Maker Membership to Craft Ontario
• A selection of the featured works available on the Online Shop
• Name, biography, and artist statement shared in the Online Shop alongside the work for sale
• Accepted artworks promoted on Craft Ontario social channels
• A written feature in a dedicated blogpost, providing context and an in-depth review of the artwork

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: May 12, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
• Application response sent to accepted artists, May 15, 2026
• Artwork dropped off at the Craft Ontario Queen Shop, May 28 - June 4, 2026
• Feature on view and works available for purchase, June 12 - July 12, 2026
• Unsold artwork picked up from the Craft Ontario Queen Shop, July 13-19

Please Note:

• There is no charge associated with this application
• You do not have to be a current Craft Ontario Member to apply for this opportunity

If you have any questions regarding applying to Pride in Craft 2026, please email communications@craftontario.com

APPLY NOW

Artwork in banner and above sculpture by ceramic artist Julian Miholics, featured in Pride in Craft 2025: This Way Forward

General Information

Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for-profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences. 

The Craft Ontario Shop generates sales for artists, provides valuable career mentorship, product feedback, and learning opportunities for the public. The Shop promotes a wide range of craft practices, including emerging to established artists working in both contemporary and traditional techniques. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be Maker Members to sell in the Shop, but can apply as a non-member and if accepted to the Pride in Craft 2026 Feature, will be provided with a 1 year complimentary Maker Membership
• Applicants must be Canadian Residents 
• Applicants do not have to be Ontario Residents
• Work must be the original idea of the maker 
• Submitted work should be produced within the last 1-2 years and reflect the applicant's current work
• The object must be well-made, and capable of serving the purpose for which it is created
• Ready-made parts or components are permitted only if they are subordinate to the total design and craftsmanship of the object (i.e. jewellery chains, clasps)
• High quality photos with bright lighting and a white background are recommended

CRAFT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

Work is reviewed, assessed, and accepted based on the following criteria:

• Design quality: the work is well-made, meets its intended function and is aesthetically pleasing
• Originality: creativity, new concepts, and innovative techniques
• Sales potential: Pricing, product presentation and marketability/salability
• Cohesion (for Features and Showcases): The body of work shares similar motifs and works together to tell a story 

Please note Craft Ontario does not accept the following:

• Hobby crafts, photography, painting, decorated found objects, liquid embroidery
• Work made from kits, commercial patterns (as from pattern books or magazines)
• Work made with a commercial product as the focal point
• Work made with commercial moulds

CONSIGNMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

1) Craft Ontario consignment members must have a current Craft Ontario Maker Membership.

2) Upon sale of any item, Craft Ontario shall pay the member 50% of the retail price. Payments will be issued on a 45 day payment schedule, i.e. any sales made in January will be paid on March 15.

3) The work remains the property of the member until the work is sold and paid for in full or returned to the member. Craft Ontario is under no obligation to purchase any of the work.

4) Consigned work will be delivered to Craft Ontario and picked up from Craft Ontario by the member, unless otherwise arranged and agreed on by both parties.

5) The member will be responsible for insuring work during shipping and delivery. Craft Ontario is responsible for insuring all work for theft and damage while on the Craft Ontario Shop premises, and within the dates of the consignment agreement. Craft Ontario shall reimburse the member for the consigned cost of the item if theft or breakage occurs during the consignment period.

6) Any item damaged while in the care of Craft Ontario and paid for under the conditions outlined above, shall become the property of Craft Ontario.

7) If an item is damaged while in the care of Craft Ontario but is repairable, Craft Ontario will pay the repair cost up to 50% of the retail cost of the item.

8) HST will be paid to members who provide their HST identification #.

If you have questions or concerns about eligibility, need support completing the application, or have barriers to completing the application online, please contact: communications@craftontario.com or call 416-921-1721 for more assistance.