ARTIST INFORMATION

Here we hope to provide all the information you may need to help your exhibition.

If you are exhibiting for the first time, you might find our First Time Exhibitors’ Guide helpful.

THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL

You may see (or have already seen!) some changes with the Festival. We've re-branded and have a fresh website, and have increased our presence on social media. The Festival in format is essentially unchanged, although we welcome more artists than previous years – which is very exciting! We are also hoping to relaunch a more significant events programme and hoping to arrange a few more food outlets in the village.

FESTIVAL PREVIEW NIGHT

The preview night is the Friday 2nd August, and is optional for all exhibiting artists. They often use the opportunity to engage with previous purchasers to allow them an exclusive preview and to secure the art early. Many artists offer refreshments, however please do bear in mind that drinking is not allowed on the streets of Pittenweem.

ARTISTS' EVENING

We always look forward to our Artists' Evening, this year on Tuesday 6th August from 6.30pm at the Town Hall. It's a chance to meet other artists and the Board members, to share your Festival experience. There will be refreshments and our annual art quiz!

VENUE NUMBER AND BOARDS

We will confirm venue numbers for all artists in May, and branded display boards, with your venue number will be available to pick up just before the Festival begins. We will send more information about arriving/set-up to registered artists.

PARKING

As you may be aware, there is limited on-street parking during the Festival. If you’re staying in Pittenweem, your accommodation should have a parking permit, but if not, you can get one from the Festival Office. Alternately, we provide exclusive space for our exhibiting artists within the car park off Charles Street.

CASH & PAYMENTS

You may have read our recent research that demonstrated visitors’ frustration with some venues not offering card payments, so having a payment device (such as Square or Zettle) is vital. These can also provide emailed receipts to your buyers. However, it is still helpful to hold a small ‘float’ of cash, for managing smaller purchases.

INSURANCE

Remember exhibitors are responsible for their own artwork insurance and need to have public liability insurance for a minimum of £2,000,000. Insurance has to be in place for the opening of your venue. If you are a member of any professional artist societies they may have discounted insurance schemes available.

ACCESSIBILITY & NEURODIVERSITY

We want to make sure that the Festival is inclusive for all, and to that end we are engaging with partners to help us progress our understanding of how to make the Festival more accessible. Check back soon to see what support may be available.

ARTISTS' CODE OF CONDUCT

As an integral part of the East Neuk of Fife, it’s vital for us to help foster a respectful and harmonious relationship between the festival organisers, the artists, the visitors and the local community. To this end, we have developed our Artists’ Code of Conduct (see below), and we ask that all our artists align with our new commitments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here we have included some answers to questions our artists often have about various aspects of the Festival. If these don't answer your queries however, please get in touch.

Q What are the Set up/Take Down arrangements for the Festival?

A: Information will be sent out nearer the event, however usually access to your information and venue boards are available from the Thursday, and all venues must be ready by 10am on the 3rd August, unless you are hosting a preview evening. Take-down can start at 5pm on the last day of the festival and boards must be returned by Sunday 11th August.

Q: How do I contact the Box Office? Who should I contact for any issues or advice?

A: The Box Office is at 47 High Street. Here you can get information and support. You can also contact the Box Office on 01333 313109, or at info@pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

Q: What are the box office opening hours?

A: The Box Office is open between 9am and 5pm every day of the Festival.

Q: Will I be selling brochures in my venue?

A: Brochures will be sold primarily in the Car Park and at the Box Office, however we would be delighted if you were able to take a small stock of brochures to sell in your venue, however this is purely optional. We will provide you with a can to collect cash from the transactions.

Q: How can I provide ideas and feedback to the Festival organisers?

A: We will be running post-Festival artists’ research once again this year. In 2023 we received lots of helpful information and ideas, some of which has been implemented this year! If you have any ideas in the meantime, please send to info@pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

Q: I'd love to exhibit at Pittenweem, but how do I find a venue?

A: The Festival does not curate the art, nor has a large stock of venues, and most are private arrangements between artists and venues. The best thing to do is visit the Festival during the week and speak to as many artists as possible to see if they know of any venues which may become available next year. It’s best to plan next year as soon as possible!

Q: What about artist talks and demonstrations – how can I participate in the events programme?

A: There will be a chance to give talks this year, if you haven’t already responded to our call-out for artist events, and you’d like to feature in our calendar, contact us.

Q: There are major Scottish Water works down by the harbour. Will they still be ongoing during the Festival?

A: We've been assured by Scottish Water that although the works will not be completed by the Festival, the work will be paused for at lot of the summer, allowing free access to the harbour area.

Q: Will you accept cards at the car park and for brochure sales?

A: Yes. We will accept card payments for both car parking and for brochure sales this year.

Q: Will the board be visiting artists this year?

A: Yes, we hope to visit all artists this year. Please be ready with any questions or suggestions for how to improve the Festival.

Q: Are there any specific rules or guidelines I should be aware of?

A: Artists are expected to adhere to the Festival's code of conduct (see below), which includes maintaining a professional demeanour, respecting fellow artists and visitors, and ensuring their venue is staffed at all times during opening hours. Please be particularly respectful to the residents of Pittenweem, whose life can be significantly disrupted by the Festival.