Apply for the 2024 Trail

The Prince Edward County ARTS TRAIL
Member studios and galleries are open year-round.

Thinking of applying for next year’s Arts Trail?

APPLY NOW

THE CALL FOR ENTRY WENT OUT MID-OCTOBER AND APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. 

Returning Members

Complete application form AND insurance form AND send us post-dated cheques for Dec 1, Feb 1 and April 1.

New Members Only

Complete the application form ONLINE BY Wednesday,
December 1st, 2023.

Here’s a few other things you should know.

Application for Entry

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in applying for the year-round Prince Edward County Arts Trail (also referred to as PEC Arts Trail, the Arts Trail or simply the Trail) … a volunteer-run, signature program of the Prince Edward County Arts Council.

Established in 2008, the year-round Prince Edward County Arts Trail is the most well-established and value-driven marketing opportunity for artists and galleries who sell fine art & fine craft in the County.

For over 15 years, the Arts Trail has been connecting professional arts businesses with collectors and buyers through multiple marketing and advertising channels. Visitors already know the County is a prime destination for the arts – and we’ve helped create that buzz. They know that by visiting the Arts Trail, online or in-person, they will be exposed to a wide variety of quality, fine art & fine craft – some of the best the County has to offer. We’ve created an inspirational journey.

At its core, the PEC Arts Trail is a marketing collective. Together, we lift the status and profile of each of our members’ businesses. Annual membership fees are pooled to build a marketing budget that creates the best value possible. You already know the costs associated with marketing your business. Rack cards, distribution, website, social media, a digital presence, radio, newspaper and/or magazine advertising, graphic design, website maintenance, project coordination, French translation – it all adds up quickly. Not to mention the time, effort and costs of participation in an art fair or expo that might last just a few days. The year-round Arts Trail is an investment in marketing your business and a valuable add-on to your own efforts. What we do is deliver value for that investment.

The PEC Arts Trail attracts thousands of visitors to our member studios and galleries year-round.

Each “new to the Trail” applicant’s work is subject to a jurying process and studio/gallery inspection. The jurying process is based on the quality of the work, the professionalism of the presentation, studio/gallery space suitability and accessibility, safety requirements, review of the applicant’s web and social media sites, and the ability to meet ALL of Arts Trail core participation criteria. Returning members may be subject to a jury interview to ensure that they continue to meet Trail requirements.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are cornerstones to a thriving art community. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including artists with disabilities, those that identify as Indigenous, BPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and young emerging artists. Click here  to read our full Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity statement.

The Prince Edward County Arts Trail cannot guarantee that all applications will be accepted.

All the Details (click to open/close)

What is the Prince Edward County Arts Trail?

  • A marketing collective to support professional, fine art & fine craft artists, studios and galleries open year-round.
  • An opportunity to make your marketing dollars go further and leverage the collective reputations of all our members.
  • A collective coordinated by a volunteer Steering Committee – comprised of Arts Trail members and supporters of the arts. With volunteer assistance from all members.
  • A program operated under the auspices of the Prince Edward County Arts Council (PECAC).

What does the Prince Edward County Arts Trail do?

  • Facilitates collaborative marketing, promotion and advertising to draw PEC visitors and local collectors and buyers to studios and galleries. Offers a wide range of efforts – both on-line and off-line – across numerous media channels.
  • Assists in increasing sales, building a thriving and economically viable arts community.
  • Enhances the vibrant role the arts play as a driver of economic and social development in Prince Edward County.

Is the Prince Edward County Arts Trail for you?

  • Are you operating a year-round professional studio or gallery – promoting fine art or fine craft within and beyond The County?
  • Are you serious about building your arts business?
  • Are you seeking new clientele and increased sales?
  • Do you want to be part of a community of visual arts businesses achieving more collectively than individually?

If so, the 2024-25 year-round Prince Edward County Arts Trail is the right marketing strategy to help you grow and develop your business!

Criteria to Participate (click to open/close)

Successful applicants are required to:

  • Be a resident of Prince Edward County.
  • Have your business located in Prince Edward County, and accessible to visitors.
  • Sell only authentic/original work.
  • Show fine art or fine craft that has the artist’s name on it, and a biography available for customers.
  • Sell or display art that is made by the artist, or obtained on consignment from the actual artist.
  • Be physically open to visitors a minimum of eight (8) months a year. It is important to understand that the Arts Trail markets itself to consumers as a year-round organization AND experience. Most of our members operate year-round.
  • Post your hours of operation and strictly adhere to them. Some members are open all week, others just a few days per week. You are required to be open the hours you publish in the Guide and online at artstrail.ca.
  • Be a member of Prince Edward County Arts Council (PECAC).
  • Carry a minimum of $2 million public liability insurance.
  • Agree to a minimum of 10 hours volunteer time annually to support the Arts Trail.

NOTE: Definition of Fine Art and Fine Craft
For the PEC Arts Trail, fine art & fine craft is defined as original, authentic work created by an artist or craftsperson. It includes traditional and contemporary work in a variety of disciplines such as painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fibre, weaving and tapestry, photography, jewelry, woodworking, metalsmithing, carving, and fine-crafted furniture. Work must be signed by the artist or maker.

Arts Trail Benefits (click to open/close)

Each year, CORE member benefits include:

  • Full page in the Arts Trail Printed Guide – listing in both English and French
    Each Trail member will have one full page in the 5” x 8” Trail Guide with colour photos, an image of the artist or owners, approximately 100 words in both English and French, listings on the map and contact information including your address, phone number, website, social media handles and hours of operation.
  • Distribution of the Printed Guide
    Approximately 30,000 Guides will be printed and distributed locally and beyond PEC boundaries through accommodations, wineries and breweries, tourism info centres, PEC events, major tourist attractions, and member locations. Guides are delivered through a hired service and topped up monthly (more
    frequently in the summer months).
  • Full Page on the Arts Trail Websites – in both English and French
    Members benefit from a full web page that mirrors the content in the printed guide. Members may also participate in the seasonal “Member Showcase” on the homepage. In addition, the Print Guide and Map are downloadable from the website. The number one return on Google search: artstrail.ca.
  • Signage
    Members will have the use of a 24” x 24” Arts Trail sign. These signs are the property of the Arts Trail and must be returned.

IF opportunities and resources allow, members may be offered opportunities to participate in

  • Digital Marketing
    We do our best to promote Arts Trail members across social media platforms (Facebook, and Instagram), and online visitor resources.Members of the Arts Trail are consistently ranked as the top performing fine art & fine craft businesses in the County. A simple Google search of “art in Prince Edward County” reveals artstrail.ca as the number one search result – an SEO result that’s invaluable to our members. Any search for art/County? We’re there.
  • Additional Media / Marketing Opportunities
    Collectively, we are drawing even more visitors to the County to “do the arts scene”!

Requirements and Obligations

Non-compliance with any of these criteria may result in exclusion from future Arts Trail participation.

Artist Studio or Gallery – Display Requirements and Guidelines (click to open/close)

  • If an artist Studio, it must be a dedicated space in the home/workshop where artwork is created.
  • Display/gallery area can be separate from work area. It should be well lit.
  • Studio and gallery area must be open to the public a minimum of 8 months of the year. Hours of operation posted in the Arts Trail Guide and website must be strictly adhered to.
  • Studio and gallery areas should be easily accessible and safe for the public. Nothing to trip over. No sharp tools, dangerous electrical wires or connections, no small items at child level, no very hot or cold apparatus within reach. It is recommended that all machinery be in a separate area not accessible by the public.
  • Flooring should be even and stable. Stairs must be safe and include hand rails.
  • All artist’s work should be signed by the artist, labeled and priced. A bio must be made available to the public.
  • The arts business must have the ability to process sales transactions electronically (ie: Square, e-transfer, etc.).

New Applicants (incl. those returning from absence of more than 3 years) (click to open/close)

  • Participate in the jurying process during the month of January (including a visit to your County studio/gallery arts business by jury members if applicable) subject to first being deemed an appropriate candidate for the Arts Trail at this time
  • Display/gallery area can be separate from work area. It should be well lit.
  • Individuals must submit as part of their application:
    • An artist biography/CV and artist’s statement or Gallery backgrounder.
    • Links to your artist studio or gallery website and social media pages

Fees for 2023

$1,750.00 – New or returning studio or gallery member
+ $70.00 – PEC Arts Council – annual business membership fee

Please note: All members of the PEC Arts Trail must be members of PECAC, the Prince Edward County Arts Council (countyarts.ca). PECAC membership fees are $70 for businesses. This is an additional fee over and above the PEC Arts Trail membership and must be paid to PECAC directly. This can be done through their website: countyarts.ca. Please note that all 2023 PECAC members are paid up until June 2024. At that time, membership requests will be sent to all members for renewal.

Please note: Membership in the Arts Trail runs from January 1 to December 31 each year. In this document, we refer to the program as “2024-25” as those are the dates we publish on the cover of the printed Guide. This gives the Guide a shelf life into early 2025 – as we prepare for that year.

New Member Registration Form (click to open/close)


After you click submit, you may need to scroll back up to complete a puzzle captcha.

Returning Member Registration Form (click to open/close)


After you click submit, you may need to scroll back up to complete a puzzle captcha.

Returning Member Insurance Form (click to open/close)


After you click submit, you may need to scroll back up to complete a puzzle captcha.

Application Checklist
NEW MEMBER

  • Complete the online application form by December 1st, 2023.
  • Do NOT send a completed insurance for OR payment at this time
  • The Executive Committee will review your application and schedule a time to call or visit your studio/gallery. We will contact you by January 15th to confirm acceptance into the program. We will then ask you to complete the Insurance Form and send in your payments (post-dated cheques for Feb 1, Mar 1 and April 1) by January 30, 2024
  • Alternatively, you may do an etransfer to Janna@countyarts.ca for one or all of the above payments due.

Application Checklist
RETURNING MEMBER

  • Completed and signed application Form
  • Completed and signed Insurance Form
  • One post-dated cheque for $1,750. … OR … three post-dated cheques for 50% ($875.00) dated December 1, 2023; (25%) $437.50 dated February 1, 2024 and (25%) $437.50 dated April 1, 2024. All cheques are to be payable to the PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL.
  • Alternatively, you may do an etransfer to Janna@countyarts.ca for one or all of the above payments due.

Submitting Your Application
NEW MEMBER

Your completed and signed Application should be completed online. Once the jury has approved your application and notified you of your acceptance onto the Arts Trail, they will ask you to complete an Insurance Form and submit post-dated cheque(s) payable to the Prince Edward County Arts Council to:

Andrew Csafordi, Membership Coordinator
PEC Arts Trail, c/o 54 Wilson Road, Bloomfield, ON, K0K 1G0.

Please note: all post-dated cheque(s) are payable to the Prince Edward County Arts Council and must be received by January 30, 2024.

Once your forms and payments are received, you will receive a link to submit your content and photos online for the Prince Guide and website. Print Guide and Website updates are completed in early 2024.

* Studios and galleries must meet all of the criteria and be approved by the PEC Arts Trail Executive Committee in order to participate the 2024-25 Arts Trail program. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance by telephone or email by January 15th, 2024.

Submitting Your Application
RETURNING MEMBER

Your completed and signed Application and Insurance Forms should be completed online and submit post-dated cheque(s) payable to the Prince Edward County Arts Council (or e-transfer your fee payment(s) to Janna@countyarts.ca) to:

Andrew Csafordi, Membership Coordinator
PEC Arts Trail, c/o 54 Wilson Road, Bloomfield, ON, K0K 1G0.

Please note: all post-dated cheque(s) are payable to the Prince Edward County Arts Council and must be received by December 1, 2023.

Once your forms and payments are received, you will receive a link to submit your content and photos online for the Prince Guide and website. Print Guide and Website updates are completed in early 2024.

* Studios and galleries must meet all of the criteria in order to participate in the 2024-25 Arts Trail program.

Testimonials (click to open/close)

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what members are saying about The Arts Trail…

“Together we amplify each other’s presence and profile. Membership brings benefits you’d never realize on your own. Being a member of the Arts Trail has significantly increased general awareness of my gallery and noticeably increased the number of visitors – which has had a positive impact on sales. The Guide is an excellent marketing tool. We refer visitors to other members’ galleries, can speak knowledgeably about what they will find there, and always put an Arts Trail Guide in their hands. We credit our membership with our success in doubling our sales over our base year – despite COVID restrictions – and dramatically raising our profile with “qualified” visitors and patrons to the County.”

Tom Ashbourne, Tom Ashbourne Studio Gallery
Arts Trail Member since 2020

“We have been members of the Arts Trail from the beginning. It is a great way to collaborate, improve the visitor experience, and help neighbouring venues to thrive.”

Carlyn Moulton, Oeno Gallery
Arts Trail Member since 2008

“I recently rejoined the Arts Trail after a brief hiatus. Being a member of a number of artist groups and associations over the years, I believe this one combines a number of elements that are important in our need to get and keep our work out there where the art lovers can find it:

  • the easy-to-use/carry around Guide with wide, ongoing distribution
  • ads placed in high profile magazines for the relevant surrounding areas
  • artist profile features on The New Classical FM and 99.3 County FM radio stations
  • a high standard of work from each of the participating artists.

The bottom line is… with so many other events and attractions vying for the visitor’s attention, as artists we need all the quality visibility we can get here in the County. For that reason, I think the Arts Trail is a good choice as part of one’s studio/gallery marketing strategy.”

Pam Carter, Pamela Carter Gallery/Studio
Arts Trail Member since 2008

“In my view we have never seen a better opportunity to market & advertise the visual arts in PEC. To advertise in other publications such as local newspapers or magazines you would soon realize that the costs would be outrageous to get similar coverage.”

Anne House, Mad Dog Gallery
Arts Trail Member since 2008

“The Arts Trail had an important impact on my thinking when relocating here, and I would encourage those of you who are on the fence as to their value and validity to reconsider. There’s always strength in numbers! As we cheer each other on and share with visitors the impact of a strong arts and cultural community – the momentum increases and the impact broadens exponentially.”

J. Douglas Thompson, J. Douglas Thompson Fine Art
Arts Trail Member since 2014

“Without a doubt, the Arts Trail has had a significant impact on the success of our gallery since joining in 2009. It is THE most important marketing tool in our toolbox. If I didn’t believe in the power of our collective efforts, I wouldn’t have served on the Steering Committee since joining, or as Chair for the past 6 years.”

Tara Wilkinson, Andara Gallery
Chair, PEC Arts Trail
Arts Trail Member since 2009

Enquiries

Andrew Csafordi, Membership Coordinator
PEC Arts Trail Executive Committee
Andrew@andaragallery.com
(613) 393-1572