ArtisanMadeuk returns for its third year in Skipton, North Yorkshire on Saturday, March 22nd to March 23rd, 2025, promising a one-of-a-kind experience in the realm of art and crafts trade shows. ArtisanMadeuk has an exclusive focus on 100 per cent British handmade products. ArtisanMadeuk is only open to the trade industry. Held at a working cattle auction mart, exhibitors set up shop in cleaned-out cattle pens. Forget about white carpets and posh drapes; here, it’s all about concrete and metal. The focus, however, remains on the art and craftsmanship on display, rather than the opulence of the surroundings. Exhibitors find relief in the fact that the cost to exhibit is approximately a quarter of what they’d pay at comparable events, and the absence of charges for amenities (like plug sockets) ensures an accessible platform. Not to mention, the exhibition space itself is generous, providing a large canvas for artists and makers. For the visitors, all that’s required is a warm coat and sensible shoes. There’s free on-site parking and a café. Andy Lynan, the event organiser, underscores the suitability of an auction mart as a venue, stating, “An auction mart may seem like a really unsuitable venue, but it’s really not.” Drawing on the success of other retail events that Andy runs at the venue, such as Art in the Pen, now in its 19th year, and Crafts in the Pen, entering its 10th year. These events combined welcome over 8,000 visitors each year. “Visitors are more interested in the quality of the showcased work than the venue itself.” Andy adds. This year, over 150 makers are set to exhibit their creations, presenting a diverse array of products encompassing fine art, metals, woodwork, jewellery, glass, homeware, gifts, textiles, and textile art. Reflecting on the event’s initial year in 2023, Andy said, “We had around 75 exhibitors for our first event in 2023. It was a punt for both the makers and the trade buyers visiting, but it paid off. It was such a friendly and positive show with lots of happy attendees on both sides. We now have double the amount of exhibitors, many of them new to this industry. If you run a gallery, or an independent store, or buy for a garden centre or tourist information centre then please come and support these amazing makers and don’t miss out on this range of work.” Unlike many trade shows that feature numerous talks and prizes, ArtisanMadeuk deliberately avoids them. Andy says, “The event is crafted by the participating artists, who want to prioritise staying at their stalls, engaging with customers, and showcasing their work. In the spirit of fostering a sense of community, ArtisanMadeuk shuns competition and prizes amongst its exhibitors, emphasising collaboration among artists, working together to promote British handmade craftsmanship. It’s about community, SKILLED IN SKIPTON! ArtisanMadeuk stands out as an event created by artists and makers, for artists and makers. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the 2025 show! 28
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