Click here for artists’ application.

Dear Artists and Artisans,
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Division, cordially invites you to apply for participation in our second annual Manchester Arts Festival (MAF) to be held Saturday, July 25th 2009. The event shall take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and the rain date, if necessary will be Sunday, July 26th. It will be located throughout the beautiful downtown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. For those unacquainted, Manchester-by-the-Sea is a historic town located on Cape Ann, an area with a long, rich tradition of art appreciation and patronage. This quintessential New England coastal town, complete with its lovely harbor views, beaches and a growing retail trade will offer a unique venue for you to show and sell your high quality hand made items.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form, a check payable to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, three (3) photos of the work you intend to show and a self-addressed stamped envelope. All entries to be juried may be sent immediately but must be received, no later than April 1st, 2009. Certain item categories will fill quickly. We will promptly return an acceptance letter. All application fees will be returned if not accepted. All artists are juried and accepted on a first come basis so return your application ASAP. Further details about the Festival, including assigned location, will come with your acceptance letter.

ELIGIBILITY: The Manchester Arts Festival is open to all New England artists and artisans of hand made fine arts and crafts. Items from commercially sold kits, wholesale items, or mass produced items are not considered hand made and are therefore not eligible. The Chamber reserves the right to limit categories that are oversubscribed.

FORMAT FOR 2009: Artisans will be asked to set up their merchandise within either a 10 ‘ x 10’ (approximate) designated outdoor area or in ample sidewalk spaces. Space is limited, so please do not delay in returning your application. Extra inventoried stock must be stored neatly, underneath tables. Off site parking will be provided, within easy walking distance. All participants are responsible for their own inventory. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. Artists must provide their own tables, umbrellas or small tent.

APPLICATION FEE: $ 100.00 (check made payable to Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce). This is a non-refundable fee. Checks for applications not accepted will be returned.

PROMOTION: Newspaper and print advertising will promote this event and draw Cape Ann residents, tourists on vacation and Boston area day visitors. Your name will also appear on the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website as a participant. Information about the Manchester Arts Festival will appear in the Chamber’s newsletters and emails to their members as well.

SALES: All proceeds from any sales are the property of each artist to keep.

Manchester Arts Festival
68 Summer Street Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
978-283-1601, info@capeannchamber.com, manchesterARTS@earthlink.net