City of Craft 2024
50+ vendors, art installations & small zine market — City of Craft is back in Toronto!
City of Craft aims to build community in the Toronto craftscape, support independent artists and craftspeople, and encourages the larger community to get involved with crafty happenings in the city.
Formerly stewarded by an incredible group of dedicated independent craft artists, The Theatre Centre has taken on the organization of the event in order to bring City of Craft back to the people. This is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit, juried craft show each December featuring craft-based installations, attracting approximately 4,000 attendees. We hope to strengthen the relationship between the studio craft and DIY/indie-craft community, as well as increase the city’s access to – and appreciation for – contemporary craft.
City of Craft 2024 lineup:
Abby Ho
Becky Johnson
Bernettes
Britt Wilson
Ellie Oram
Eunice L Designs
InfiKnitLove
Inoki Bathhouse
Kiriki Press
Kristen Lim Tung
Lady Glass
Loree Ovens
Love at First Blush
Nature Cares
NOGOBED
SarahAnaDesigns
SL.handmade crafts
Subin Ee
Talia Silva Ceramics
TK Scents
Wastoid Vintage
Willy Bee Honey
...and more!
Small zine market
City of Craft is turning The Theatre Centre’s Incubator space into a zine and small multiples fair!
We are looking for expressions of interest from artists interested in participating in the Small Zine Market.
Who can apply?
- Emerging/small zine/multiples artists interested in selling small-print, handmade zines, and paper goods (value of items cannot exceed $20)
- Zines will be prioritized over mass printed products
- Items sold cannot include jewelry, ceramics, textiles, foods, aromatherapy, clay work, large prints, or leather goods
- Must be present during all hours of City of Craft (please see below).
How much will it cost?
- There is no application fee.
- Once accepted, vendor registration fee is $50.
Financial accessibility: We have a limited number of free spots allocated for artists facing financial barriers. Please specify in your application email if you are interested in free space!
When is it due?
We’re accepting applications on a rolling basis until November 21 at 11:59PM (Spots are limited, so the earlier the application the better!)
Please email [email protected] with your social media/website, a short bio, and a digital PDF example of your zine (maximum 5 examples). Alternatively, you can also drop off submissions in-person at The Theatre Centre — but please note that items submitted in-person will not be returned.
How will it be juried?
The Small Zine Market will be juried by The Theatre Centre’s Artistic Director Aislinn Rose, Director of Communications Emily Jung, Producer Liza Hersh, and City of Craft Coordinator Stevey Hunter.
When will I find out if I’m participating?
You will hear from us no later than November 29th.
City of Craft 2024 is taking place inside The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. W) from December 6-8.
Hours are as follows:
- Friday, December 6th – 6-10pm
- Saturday, December 7th – 11-6pm
- Sunday, December 8th – 11-6pm
Formerly stewarded by an incredible group of dedicated independent craft artists, City of Craft was the ultimate winter artists’ & makers’ market of the city. This is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit, juried craft show each December featuring craft-based installations attracting approximately 4,000 attendees.
This event is part of The Theatre Centre’s 10 for 10 programming (ten unique offerings over ten months), which celebrates ten years since we moved into our forever home on 1115 Queen Street West. The Theatre Centre’s 10 for 10 programming is generously supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.
This year's illustrator
Wandy Cheng is an artist from Hong Kong whose work is expressed through illustration, ceramics, paper-cut and public art. Wandy finds inspiration through memories of lived experiences & eclectic environments, and is delighted by expressive linework and bold patterns.
With over 8 years of public art experience, she translates conceptual ideas into vibrant visuals that help foster a sense of belonging for members in the community.
Her illustration can be seen on the streets of Toronto businesses’ entrances, hidden in laneways, brightening traffic signal boxes and cycling barriers. We love Wandy’s poster that pays homage to the busy storefronts of West Queen West, and the 501 Streetcar that moves people throughout the city.
Meet this year's jury!
Introducing incredible craft & design engaged curators & artists who juried City of Craft 2024!
Melanie Egan has been actively involved in the arts community for over 35 years. She is the Director of Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre, a senior cultural administrator and curator. She has collaborated with Craft Ontario on two major symposiums, DesignTO, and was on the curatorial team for Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.
Robyn Wilcox is a Toronto-based curator and administrator working at the intersection of craft, design, and art. She promotes and advocates for craft & design culture in Canada by supporting makers and generating public awareness and appreciation for craft & design. Robyn holds concurrent roles as the Head of Programming at DesignTO and the Curator at Craft Ontario. Robyn received a Master of Architecture (Post-Professional) from McGill University and a BA from Concordia University.
Kalpna Patel and Becky Johnson (founding members/organizers of City of Craft).
Kalpna Patel is a Toronto-based creative with years of experience in paper craft, environment and retail design, arts administration and event organization. In 2019 she illustrated her first book for children, Alis the Aviator, published by Tundra Books.
The primary banner for Becky Johnson‘s craft output, the sweetie pie press comprised her work with zines, pinback buttons, commercial crochet products, illustrations, prints and other sundry ephemera. Under this banner, Becky has toured internationally and has attended more craft fairs than anyone on earth (a claim she will continue to make until challenged). She has also collaborated with various artists through the sweetie pie press in both submission-based zines and the commissioned artist button set series.
Emily Jung is the Director of Communications at The Theatre Centre. As an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and artsworker—she co-runs the “Theatre Workers stop working and craft and chill” event series with artist Amanda Lin. Her works were most recently seen at the 2024 SummerWorks Festival, Aluna Theatre Café, and Choa Magazine.
Admission
$3 entree fee (Kids under 12 free)
Hours
Friday: 6-10pm
Saturday*: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Venue
The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen Street West)
Applications to become a vendor for City of Craft 2024 has closed on Sunday, September 22 at 11:59 PM EST.