Applications open for festival exhibitors

Artists and crafters interested in exhibiting at the 2019 Hilton Arts Festival are welcome to send in their applications, as well as vendors offering fresh and unusual food options.

With a riveting programme of art already secured, potential exhibitors wanting to be a part of this year’s festival have from 1 March until the end of April to get their applications in. Successful artists, crafters and food vendors will be notified by the end of May.

In a quest continually to make the festival contemporary, relevant and interesting, spaces for art exhibitions will be a slightly reconfigured from previous years. Artist applicants are welcome to suggest where they would like to exhibit (subject to availability and selection committee choices). The venues on offer are the Bell Tower & Churchill Tents; Memorial Hall foyer, five walls within the Grindrod Bank Theatre foyer and in the Raymond Slater Library. The Normand Dunn Gallery is by invitation only and is already allocated.

The craft market will also be slightly different this year – the intention is to bring it back to its original brief, and consider first and foremost quality handcrafted, bespoke, unusual and vintage goods of interest. Complementing this will be artisanal food stuffs such as preserves, pickles, breads and cheeses; and plants and flowers. The number of stalls will decrease slightly and the layout will be completely refreshed. The Wild Garden Tent will be for crafters and food outlets only, with a satellite bar.

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There will be a family friendly area with jumping castles and kiddies entertainment alongside the craft area. First time crafters who haven’t exhibited before are especially welcome to apply.

The festival committee is also looking for food traders offering innovative and unusual food – ideally fresh and locally sourced. Priority will also be given to vegetarian, vegan and healthy options. Festival dates are 13 to 15 September. For more information, rates and application forms, visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za, call 033-383-0127 or email admin@hiltonfestival.co.za.