Feb 25, 2011

NYIGF Accepting Applications For Design-Focused Divisons

Designers, artists and manufacturers are invited to submit applications for juried, design-focused divisions at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®): Accent on Design®; A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design; Handmade® Designer Maker; and Handmade Global Design. New for 2011 is the addition of two NYIGF-funded Carol Sedestrom Ross “Maker-to-Market” Scholarships, which will be awarded to two Handmade applicants to support their wholesale market participation. Applications are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply. The summer 2011 NYIGF runs Saturday, Saturday, August 13, through Thursday, August 18, 2011, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. “NYIGF is committed to supporting and fostering emergent talent and innovative companies within the contemporary design and artisanal craft arenas,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “With these new scholarships – created in memory of the late Carol Sedestrom Ross, GLM’s craft marketing director and founder of the American craft movement – we’re offering craftspeople both a showcase and the tools to build their business.”

Accent on Design

Accent on Design has been the gift and home industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise for over 25 years, and some 150 exhibitors across all categories comprise this dynamic collection of contemporary and innovative lines. 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 will be accepted through Friday, March 11, 2011. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/apply.

A+: The Young Designers’ Platform

The A+ showcase introduces the work of emerging designers, selected on the basis of design concept, creativity and originality. A+ is presented as a showcase within Accent on Design, providing fledgling designers an affordable opportunity to expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace. Applications for A+ will be accepted only from design students, recent graduates and young companies in business for one year or less. Designers will be juried by theAccent on Design Selection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality.

A+ applications will be accepted through Friday, June 10, 2011. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/apply.

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 categories: HandmadeDesigner Maker, which showcases 360 limited-production makers across all categories and media from around the world, and Handmade Global Design, which presents a selection of 150 international craft resources with a focus on strong design, traditional techniques and quality workmanship. Criteria for acceptance into either category include uniqueness, originality, authenticity, and marketability.

Handmade applications will be accepted through Friday, March 11, 2011. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/apply.

Handmade “Maker-to-Market” Scholarships

As part of the Handmade application review and acceptance process, every applicant will automatically be considered for the new Carol Sedestrom Ross “Maker-to-Market” Scholarship, funded by NYIGF. This spring, two scholarships will be presented to emerging artisans displaying the greatest potential for success in the wholesale craft arena, based upon creativity, craftsmanship and unique artisanry.

The annual scholarships include one free exhibit space in Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design, in addition to a five-night hotel stay in New York City during market week, round-trip transportation, tradeshow marketing support and market-readiness consultation from industry experts. The scholarship is named in honor of the late Carol Sedestrom Ross, GLM’s former director of craft marketing, and an instrumental force in the development of NYIGF’s Handmade division.

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 85 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com .