Feb 17, 2012

NYIGF Accepting Applications for Design-Focused Divisions

Designers, artists and manufacturers are invited to submit applications for three juried, design-focused divisions at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®): Accent on Design®; Handmade® Designer Maker; and Handmade Global Design. Applications for A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design, a showcase of emerging design talents within Accent on Design, are also being accepted.

Applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, are due by Thursday, March 15, for Accent on Design, Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design. Applications for A+, which are due by Friday, June 15, are available online at http://www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYIGFDivisions/ATheYoungDesignersPlatform/AApplication.aspx. The summer 2012 NYIGF runs Saturday, August 18, through Th ursday, August 23, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

“For artisans and designers seeking new business opportunities, NYIGF provides unparalleled access to an expansive international wholesale market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Our juries review all applications and accept those that represent the freshest and most innovative design resources.”

Accent on Design
The gift and home industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise for more than 25 years, Accent on Design presents 200 established and emerging design brands across all categories. The Selection Committee’s criteria for acceptance include: original, creative and authentic product design; new and innovative use of materials; products which address and solve problems; consistent and continuous new product creations; a focus on contemporary design (as perceived by the jury); and functionality.

Accent on Design applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, will be accepted through Thursday, March 15, 2012.

Handmade
For more than 25 years, Handmade has offered buyers an extensive selection of handcrafted items across such categories as tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel. Handmade is presented in two distinct collections: Handmade Designer Maker, which showcases 360 limited-production makers across all categories and media; and Handmade Global Design, which presents a selection of 140 international craft resources with a focus on strong design, traditional techniques and quality workmanship. Criteria for acceptance into both categories include uniqueness, originality, authenticity and marketability.

As an added benefit, the Carol Sedestrom Ross “Maker-to-Market” scholarship will be presented to one of the most promising newcomers to NYIGF’s Handmade® division. The award – honoring the memory of Ross, a pivotal figure in both the American Craft movement and in GLM’s development of wholesale craft market – recognizes creativity, craftsmanship and unique artisanry.

Handmade applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, will be accepted through Thursday, March 15, 2012.

A+: The Young Designers’ Platform
Within Accent on Design, the A+ showcase introduces the work of emerging designers, selected on the basis of design concept, creativity and originality. A+ provides up-and-coming designers an affordable opportunity to expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace. Applications for A+, which will be accepted only from design students, recent graduates and young companies in business for one year or less, will be juried by the Accent on Design Selection Committee.

A+ applications, which will be accepted through Friday, June 15, 2012, are now available online at: http://www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYIGFDivisions/ATheYoungDesignersPlatform/AApplication.aspx. NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,800 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.