Application FAQ's

Show Hours

Set up of displays 6:00 am to 9:30 am (all cars must have left the field by 9:30) *
Removal of displays from 5:30 pm (No earlier) *
Open to Public 10:00 am to 5:00pm
(Visitors in 2019 - 4,400)
* The Town of Oakville has asked for a 30 minute buffer between vehicle and visitor traffic.

Application deadline is April 15, 2025
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 30th

 

Selection Requirements

ART IN THE PARK is a juried show that welcomes applications from a wide variety of art forms. 
All art must be original and created by the artist making the application. 

ORIGINAL WORK ONLY.
Art in the Park is juried by a screening committee who will determine eligibility based solely upon the photos you submit. Originality of concept, execution, quality of workmanship and design excellence are the primary criteria used during the evaluation process. Only artists displaying their own original work will be eligible to participate. Any exhibitor who does not display work similar to that which was juried will forfeit participation at future shows and will be required to remove work that is not representational of materials submitted for jurying. No commercial, imported, manufactured or mass-produced items purchased for resale are allowed.

 

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Application Requirements for NEW applicants

Please submit the following:

 

If submitting via CD or DVD : They must be good quality (180 dpi), submitted on one standard size compact disc, labeled with your name and sent in a protective mailer. Make sure each jpeg is labeled with name, title and medium; either in the file name or embedded in the jpeg itself.

If two people are sharing a booth, each person must submit an application.

To avoid confusion and delays contacting you, please use one email as primary contact for both artists.

Email application with all requirements attached to:
artintheparkoakville@gmail.com

 

 

PREVIOUS applicants:

Please note: If you have changed mediums, ie you were a painter and are now a sculptor you must apply as a new participant.

Previous applicants may use the secure payment interface below, the paypal interface below, or ask for a paypal invoice.

Alternately, you may mail your cheque or money order for the full amount of the fee for booth space(s).

 

Email application with all requirements attached to:

artintheparkoakville@gmail.com

 

Please take the time to read through our Exhibitor Information Sheet

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Exhibitors must provide their own booths and displays. Displays must be professional and neat in appearance. Each space is 12’x12’ and you may buy more than one space. All work must be in place by 9:30 am and remain set-up until 5pm. Exhibitors are responsible for the safety and liability of their own display and product. live demonstrations are encouraged, but NO electricity is available. Each exhibitor must clearly display a sign bearing their name.
To ensure a balanced show the Art in the Park committee will allocate space based upon receipt of applications.  No reserved spaces are available.  As a courtesy previous exhibitors are given the opportunity to indicate a preference for a booth location. We will make every effort to accommodate you on a first-come first-served basis, but we can make absolutely no guarantees. Circumstances beyond our control may force us to change the layout. 

Insurance Coverage

As in prior years, we have arranged for blanket liability insurance coverage for all exhibitors through our insurance company to comply with Town of Oakville Rules. We are providing this coverage to our exhibitors  FREE OF CHARGE.

Set Up

Exhibitors will be allowed access to the display area only on the morning of the show. In order to facilitate an easy and quick setup we will be staggering arrivals in 2 time slots.
No set up is allowed in Waterfront Park prior to Monday morning. Spaces will be clearly marked and numbered. Weather permitting, vehicles are allowed on the grassy areas of the park to load and unload, all cars must be off the grassy area by 9:30 am at the latest and are not allowed back to load until 5:30 pm.
The Town of Oakville has asked for a 30 minute buffer between vehicle and visitor traffic for safety reasons.
Exhibitors are responsible for their own canopies, tables, chairs and display equipment.

NOTE:  EXHIBITORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING WEIGHTS FOR THEIR OWN TENTS.  SPARE WEIGHTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT THIS YEAR SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR TENT.

Location

Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park is at the corner of Bronte Road (Hwy 25) and Ontario Street. Access to the park is from Ontario Street. Bronte Road (Hwy 25) runs north and south from the Lakeshore. It may be accessed from Hwy 401, Hwy 5 (Dundas Street) the QEW or Lakeshore Road (Hwy. 2)

Notification Of Acceptance

All applicants will receive notification of their status of acceptance by email.  If an exhibitor’s application is not accepted, they will receive a full refund.

In Case Of Bad Weather

The show goes on rain or shine.  Exhibitors are advised to bring protective coverings to place over and under displays in the event of rain. Should heavy rain or wind conditions occur, exhibitors remain on site at their own risk.

Parking Facilities

Parking is generally available in the lots on the South Side of Ontario Street, unless there is a private function at the Harbour Centre. There is parking along Ontario Street and in the streets nearby.

Sales Procedures

All exhibitors are responsible for their own sales and any taxes they may be required to charge on sales. No telephones are available so exhibitors accepting credit cards must make their own arrangements for authorization.

Accommodation

For information on hotels and restaurants please check FAQ's or contact the Oakville Tourist Information Centre (905) 845-6613.

Cancellations

If an exhibitor needs to cancel their attendance at the show and notifies the OAS in writing prior to July 1st of that year, they will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee.

Refunds

If an exhibitor needs to cancel their attendance at the show on or after July 1st no refund will be issued, unless there is a current public health directive which prevents an individual from attending. If the Oakville Art Society has to cancel the show for any reason, every exhibitor will be entitled to a full refund. 

Signs

Signs which offer discounts, sales, no HST, specials, reduced prices or any signs of this nature are not permitted. All other type of signage must be within the confines of your space and cannot obstruct any other booths or come out into the aisles. If this happens, you will be asked to remove or reposition your signage.

Rentals

The Oakville Art Society is partnering again with Higgins Event Rentals, Oakville, as the preferred rental supplier for Art in the Park. Exhibitors at Art in the Park will be able to take advantage of specially negotiated rates for all of their rental needs, as well as a complete one-stop package to furnish their booth. To take advantage of this special offer, please contact Higgins directly to order your equipment. The Art in the Park specific link can be found below. .

The OAS offers the information regarding Higgins rental as a courtesy only, we do not take responsibility for the rental arrangements , the set up of the Higgins tents or the accuracy of the orders: this is the responsibility of the artist and Higgins rental. If you are renting equipment you have the option to ensure the set up is correct on Sunday afternoon before the show, for 2 hours after deliveries and install are completed. Exact time to be provided closer to the date.

Rules

All exhibitors, by submitting an application, agree to abide by the rules of Art in the Park.  Exhibitors also agree to comply with any reasonable request by OAS officials with regards to displays and conduct. All participating artists and their assistants are expected to behave in a respectful, cooperative, courteous manner. Failure to do so will result in removal from the show.

Images for Promotional Use

The Oakville Art Society reserves the right to use exhibitor’s images-any photos taken during the day of the event for future promotions of "ART in the PARK".

What promotion do you do?

We place ads and articles in the local newspapers - which send out photographers every year. We also place listings with Visit Oakville, Discover Halton, Arts About Town, The Ontario Tourist Board, About Toronto, The Bronte and Oakville BIA. All sponsors have a poster and handouts on display in their place of business.  We also use Facebook and email notification. Every exhibitors receives a poster and leaflet via email to post on their site or to print.

 

How does brochure advertising work?

It is an additional way for you to advertise your business and booth.
A colour advertisement (size depending on the fee you pay) can be included in the brochure given at the gate – about 4000 of these are printed and distributed.

What is the Participating Artist listing?

An advertising service listing each participating artist's name, medium booth number and website link which is posted to our web site about 1 month after acceptance and remains there until January of the next year.

I come from out of town. Where can I stay that is close by?

There are a number of hotels in the Bronte area located just off the QEW.

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How much is parking and how are spaces assigned?
Parking is located at the far end of the park. The spots are limited and are on a first come basis.

Waiver and Acknowledgement

Recognizing that Art in the Park is run by a voluntary organization, the exhibitor assumes all risks and responsibilities in participating in this event.
Upon filling out and submitting the application for Art in the Park, the exhibitor agrees that The Oakville Art Society, it's officers, directors, employees and volunteers, and the Town of Oakville, will not be held liable for any damage, expense or liability from any injury or damage to any person, including the general public, the exhibitor, its agents or employees or to the property of the exhibitor arising out of the exhibitor’s participation in Art in the Park. Furthermore The Oakville Art Society, it's officers, directors, employees and volunteers, will not be held responsible for any loss or losses incurred by the exhibitor, as a result of fire, theft, water, accidents, weather, acts of God or other mishaps or incidents not specifically itemized herein.

For Further Information

The Oakville Art Society - Art in the Park
560 Bronte Road
Oakville, Ontario L6L 6S1
Tel: (905) 827-5711
email 1: artintheparkoakville@gmail.com
email 2: info@oakvilleartsociety.com

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What the exhibitors are saying:

Selection of comments from our previous Exhibitor surveys

• I do believe this is one of the best organised shows out there! I am very impressed by everybody involved. I have been at this show for many years. The customers at this show are very loyal and come back time and time again! Just love this show
• I thoroughly enjoyed myself! My booth seemed to draw many visitors, and I thought the show was very well-attended. I loved meeting new artists and there was a lot of interest in my work.
• I think for an outdoor show, AIP is one of the best. Good job! Thanks for the help from both the office workers and the front line helper at the show.
• I continue to be happy and grateful for the show you guys put on and will absolutely continue to be part of it for many years to come, rain or shine! 
• What a super positive experience with such lovely helpers. Lots of volunteers this year. Never had to wait for long. Thank you so much.
• Wonderful show ! Well spread out with lots of room to view small and large works.
• As a first timer who has no helpers, so grateful for the assistance from your volunteers. Kudos to the teens! Volunteers at the parking lot were very helpful.        
• You did a great job with the alternate layout. I found the two sections of the show were well integrated and open to each other. I don't feel that those of us in the new section suffered less traffic. It all worked.        
• I loved being in the new location (flood alternative) and I would like to see this configuration again next year.