GRAF Fine and Applied Artists Information and Application
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Event Dates: September 18 (5-9pm) & 19 (11am–6pm) 2026
We are proud to be presenting the fourth annual Grand River Arts Festival - a celebration and exhibition of visual arts, music, and theatre, held on the historic grounds of Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford, ON.
Event Dates: September 18 (5-9 pm) & September 19th (11am-6 pm), 2026
The Grand River Arts Festival (GRAF) is Brantford, Ontario's annual two-day outdoor cultural event featuring visual arts, live music, theater, performance art, food, and a popular 10-Minute Play Competition. The festival makes arts accessible and celebrates local and regional talent in a beautiful natural setting. It transforms the gallery grounds into an interactive art experience, emphasizing community engagement and creativity along the ecologically vital Grand River watershed.
Each year we present an “Evening Prelude” to open the event. It is a ticketed and licensed (19+) event. The evening features a line up of prominent Southern Ontario musicians and a signature intermission performance. The park is lit with fire pits and lights which give it a truly magical atmosphere. Attendees may wander the grounds with their beverage and get an exclusive preview of the arts, enjoy an alcoholic or zero proof drink and purchase food from the on site vendors. It has quickly become a unique and popular night out.
Festival Day on Saturday is a free-admission, family-friendly day with all-day music, theatre, food trucks, and various activities. GRAF is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary arts event celebrating creativity in Brantford and area, with a strong connection to its natural environment.
Key Features and Activities
Artist Marketplace: A curated outdoor market featuring over 50 visual artists and makers from across the region selling original works including ceramics, textile arts, jewellry, woodwork and paintings.
This year, on Saturday September 19, we are adding a Young Artist’s Market for makers ages 12 – 18. A separate submission is required - see link below.
The wildly popular 10-Minute Play Competition: A signature event where theatre companies from across Ontario perform original short-form plays for cash prizes and audience acclaim on the Coach House Stage.
Live Music performances by regional and award-winning Canadian musicians on a main outdoor stage both days.
Live painting event where artists have a limited time to recreate a masterpiece before your eyes!
Community Art: Interactive installations and public art projects where attendees can participate in the creative process.
Fine Artist Vendor Application
Fine and Applied Artists from Southwestern Ontario in all mediums are invited to apply. A selection committee will review all submissions and choose artists based on variety and quality of work . There are limited spots available either under a festival tent, or artist’s own tent.The Visual and Applied component of the GRAF is selected by Committee . It will be based on originality, workmanship and professional presentation. The number of applicants into each category will be taken into consideration.
Artist’s Information Session
via Zoom on March 24 at 1 pm for any questions and considerations.
ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87455285939
All work to be displayed must be of consistent, high caliber as indicated by initially submitted images. If your work falls into more than one category, please submit images for each. Fine Artists Application Deadline: May 1, 2026.
Acceptance and Cost:
Artists will be notified of acceptance between May 15 and 22. We will maintain a waiting list.
After confirmation of acceptance, GRAF must receive payment in full by May 31 for booth space , tent space and tables. Late payments will not be accepted. Payment details to follow acceptance.
Professional artist booth under large tent canopy - $125
Professional artist – bring own 10 x 10 tent - $75
Youth Market artist - $25 (includes table)
Table rental – 1 per vendor - $15
Details for consideration before applying:
1. The festival will open at 5pm on September 18. Set up must be completed by 4:30. Booths must remain staffed during open hours, through 6 pm on Saturday, September 19. There will be no allowance for late set up nor early removal. Commitment to the festival is for both days. More details regarding set up, etc. will be provided as we get closer to the event.
2. Only mediums which have been approved through the festival jury process may be displayed. If an artist has multiple mediums, each one must be identified and images of each submitted.
3. The sale of commercial prints and multiple prints is discouraged. Original art must make up the vast quantity of items for sale. (This does not include original printmaking works, nor new media.)
4. All work must be displayed professionally (photographs and works on paper should be either framed or matted and wrapped in cellophane).
5. All booths will be attended by the artist, not by representatives or Agents. A helper that can answer all questions from the public may help the artist staff the booth while the artist views the festival, or gets refreshments. A festival volunteer can be asked to booth sit for brief periods of time.
6. All further details will be sent upon acceptance.
7. Submission of completed form is considered acceptance of all terms and conditions.