ARTIST REGISTRATION & VENUE APPLICATION

3. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some questions you may have about our registration and venue application process. Please read, along with our terms and conditions.

Artists' Registration

Q. Am I eligible to apply? 

A: Yes, the Pittenweem Arts Festival welcomes applications from artists working in all disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, and more. Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established artist, you are encouraged to apply. The only requirement is that your work aligns with the festival’s standards of originality and quality. 
 

Q. How will I know that my registration is successful? 

A. Once registration is complete, our new process should ensure that you receive a confirmation email, and a copy of the information you have submitted. Once applications have closed, you will receive an invoice for the registration fee. The fee must be paid by the 30th April, or the registration will be rejected.
 

Q: Why do the required artist images have to be square? 

A: We have templates for our website and brochure that ensures our information is consistent and accessible on multiple devices. If your work is not square, you can upload an image of whatever you like: a piece of jewellery or a landscape shaped painting on a background of your choosing, provided the overall external shape of the image is square. Think about how best to present your work – for example, if a painting is very large and you need to stand far back to capture it, the result will be a small image surrounded with a lot of empty space. It is therefore sometimes better and more interesting to crop a square section out of the painting to give a flavour of your work. 
 

Q: Why does the artists’ statement need to be in the third person? 

A: We are committed to ensuring that our content is clear and accessible. The statement should be descriptive enough to allow a ‘taste’ of the work on display.  

An example would be: 

 "Through vibrant forms and an enduring passion for colour, Alex crafts immersive landscapes that echo nature’s rhythm and humanity’s shared connection to the earth." 
 

Q. Why is there a fee increase in 2025?  

A: The Pittenweem Arts Festival is committed to providing a high-quality experience for artists, visitors, and the community. However, in recent years, the costs of organising the festival have risen sharply, necessitating an increase in the registration fee to ensure the event’s sustainability. 

Key factors contributing to the fee increase include: 

• Logistics Costs: Coordinating an event of this scale involves complex logistical planning, including transportation, setup, and the management of festival infrastructure. These costs have risen substantially due to inflation and increased supplier rates. 
• Venue Rentals: The festival rents multiple venues across the village, and rental costs have increased significantly, reflecting broader economic trends in property and utility rates. 
• Insurance: As a public event, the festival is required to hold comprehensive liability insurance, which has seen a steep rise in premiums over the past few years. 
• Temporary Staff Costs: Temporary staffing expenses, essential for managing the festival week effectively, have increased by 50% since 2019. This reflects not only rising wages but also additional compliance requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

Despite these increases, the festival has worked hard to keep the fee as low as possible, balancing operational needs with affordability for participating artists. Our Board members are all volunteers and provide their time for free. All proceeds from registration are reinvested directly into running the festival, a registered charity, or to the community, to enhance the event and support its long-term sustainability. 
 

Q: Why do I have to use www.what3words.com to provide my venue location, rather than an address? 

A: Last year we had feedback that some of the venues were not presented accurately on the map. What3words is a widely used, easy and very accurate tool, which should help us iron out many of the quirks involved in holding a festival of this nature in a village like Pittenweem. If you aren’t familiar with what3words, this link can show you how it works. 

Q: We are an Artists' Collective/Community group. How might we register with the Pittenweem Arts Festival?

A: We have a separate application process and pricing structure for Collectives and Community Groups that reflect their unique circumstances. Please contact us to find out more. 

Q: I am struggling with the form and the application process, where can I get help?

A: We are committed to ensuring the application process is inclusive. While we encourage all applicants to use our online form, we understand that some individuals may face challenges with digital access. If you require a manual form as an exception, please contact us (details are at the foot of this page) to discuss your needs.

Venue Rental 
 

Q: How do the festival-managed venues work? 

A: We offer a small number of spaces for artists who cannot secure their own venues. These are venues that we secure in the village and lease back to the artists. To ensure transparency and fairness, and to ensure a mix of exhibited art, and in alignment with our charitable purpose, we allocate these venues through a ballot system. In the first release we have around 17 spaces available. 
 

Q: How much does it cost to rent a festival-managed venue? 

A: The rental fee is £400 per space, which covers approximately 36-40 square feet (or approximately 2m x 2m) of floor space.  

Q: What does the rental fee include? 

A: The fee covers the space only. Artists must provide their own stands, hanging materials, and other display items. 

Q: Can I apply for more than one venue? 

A: No, each artist may submit only one application to ensure fair access for all.  

Q: What happens if I’m unsuccessful in the ballot? 

A: If you prefer, your details can be retained for inclusion in subsequent ballots if more spaces become available. There is an option to do this in the application form. 

Q: Are there any special conditions for exhibiting? 

A: Yes, all exhibiting artists must agree to the terms and conditions and the artists code of conduct and they must apply for registration. The must also exhibit new work - this is directly related to visitor research. 

Q: How will I know if my application is successful? 

A: Successful applicants will receive an email notification with the venue offer. You’ll have 1 week to confirm your acceptance and pay 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your venue space. Full payment is due by 30th April 2025. 

Q: What if I subsequently secure another space in the village? 

A: You may lose your deposit. However, please let us know as soon as possible if you secure alternative space, and we will cancel your space and try to re-allocate it. It is important that you let us know quickly - as due to registration restrictions, any changes will not be possible after the 15 March 2025.   

Q: Will there be future ballots for additional spaces? 

A: Yes, we hope to release more festival-managed venue spaces in the coming weeks. If you have opted in to be retained on our list, we will include you in the process.  In addition, local Pittenweem residents often contact the Festival with space availability, so this allows us to link you up with other opportunities. In these cases the Festival is not responsible for contractual and logistical arrangements.

Q: Who can I contact for more information? 

A: Please email our team at info@pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk for assistance.