For Artists

DECA logo

2 DAYS IN A LOVELY PARK SETTING
CLOSE TO 1,000 VISITORS
LOTS OF LOCAL EXPOSURE

Fair Date: September 21 & 22, 2024

The Danforth East Community Association (DECA) invites artisans to participate in a juried outdoor arts and crafts fair in East Lynn Park, a beautiful and bustling community-destination located on the Danforth between Coxwell and Woodbine.

The Danforth East Craft & Arts Fair (DECAF) provides artists with a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their work. Our vibrant community is filled with new families, established homeowners and creative folks who are eager to support local artists. Community members and local media consistently give our event rave reviews.

We welcome applications from exhibitors working in a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms. We provide a welcome package for exhibitors, nearby parking, uniformed security overnight, advertising, publicity, entertainment, port-a-potties, volunteer support, an information booth and more.

We support local! DECA represents residents within the following boundary roads: Main Street (east), Lumsden/Mortimer (north), Monarch Park (west) and the train tracks (south).  Being able to showcase and support our local artists is at the heart of why we have continued to host this event for nearly 15 years.

We often have a number of returning vendors but just because we haven’t met you yet, doesn’t mean you won’t be a great fit!

Emerging Artists

DECAF also loves to support emerging artists!  If you are an artist in high school or post-secondary school (full or part time) you can apply for an opportunity to bridge the academic world of artistic study with professional practice.

You will get the chance to present and sell your art in an open market, giving you the opportunity to network with established artists in the community as well as develop your personal portfolio for continuing education. Oh yeah, and did we mention, IT IS FREE!

The application process is similar (read more below) but you need to use the Emerging Artist Application Form instead.  Two talented artist will be selected to share a booth (provided by DECAF) at the fair.

Application Process

March 15 – April 30 Applications are made online.  You submit your business information, photos, and payment (more on this below).
Early May We review applications by committee.  Our committee looks to balance vendors across art mediums and aims to support local quality artists wherever possible.
by May 15 Acceptance emails are sent with full refunds issued to those we were not able to accommodate this year.
Early September Exhibitor packages are sent out to provide details on timing, unloading guidelines, booth location and other event specifics.

To apply, complete the online application form (see below) and submit the required fee by PayPal using your PayPal account or your credit card. The show is financed through artists’ fees, which help cover costs and an advertising campaign.

To make your online application process a smooth one, please review our Event Policies and have your details prepared in advance. Here’s what you should have ready before beginning the application:

  • your personal details – contact information
  • your business details – name, website, social handles etc.
  • product and booth images in .jpg, .png or .pdf format
  • your artist statement – a brief statement about yourself, what your art says about you and how/where you learned your craft
  • payment details: PayPal account or credit card

If you’d like to apply, please fill in our Artist Application Form (or the Emerging Artist Application Form) and we’ll be in touch!

Please note that space is limited, and we work to have a variety of artist offerings.  For those we are unable to accommodate, full refunds will be issued.

At any time, artists can reach out to us at deca.arts@gmail.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Fair located?

East Lynn Park, Toronto (1949 Danforth Ave.) Between Coxwell and Woodbine. We are visible from the busy Danforth Ave and in close proximity to the Woodbine subway and other valuable TTC routes.

What hours is the Fair open to the public?

The event runs from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday, rain or shine!

What are the application deadlines?

The application deadline is April 30, 2024. Successful applicants will be contacted by May 15, 2024.

Any exhibitor who is accepted to the fair but withdraws on or before July 22, 2024, will be subject to a $50 administrative charge; the rest of the application fee will be refunded. Exhibitors who withdraw after July 22, 2024 will not receive a refund.

How much does an exhibitor booth cost?

The cost of a booth is $225. All payments will be collected through PayPal and you can pay with your PayPal account or with a credit card if you do not have a PayPal account. We do NOT accept cash, cheques or money orders.

What photographs should I include in my application?

Please include current images of your product(s). Allowable file types are .jpg and .png. Limit of 5 images. Include your last name or your business name in each file name. Ex: myBusinessName-products1.jpg, myBusinessName-products2.jpg

What amenities are available for exhibitors?

The Fair is located less than a block from Woodbine subway station. Banks such as CIBC, TD, Scotiabank and BMO (with ATMs) are close by. We provide onsite washrooms with a hand washing station and of course volunteers to help you unload, set up and even watch your booth if you need to take a washroom break. Parking instructions will be provided before the fair. There are excellent local food vendors onsite for lunch. We contract onsite security overnight. Music and various children’s activities are scheduled throughout the weekend to help draw crowds.

How can I be sure my booth will be secure outdoors overnight?

We have overnight security posted in the park should you choose to leave your booth set up Saturday after close. However, we highly recommend removing all goods and valuables from your booth. Danforth East Art Fair is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged goods at any point over the weekend.

How are successful applicants chosen?

Applicants are chosen by a jury of community artists, business owners and volunteers. Successful applicants will be contacted by May 15, 2024.

How is the event promoted?

You will notice that our fees are less than the majority of Toronto outdoor art fairs. This is because we keep the ‘extras’ at a minimum. Our application process and information packages are now paperless, our marketing and media strategies rely heavily on online and social media promotion, such as Facebook and Instagram. We have a poster campaign that goes up in local businesses a number of weeks before the Fair.

How much booth space will the Fair provide?

Successful applicants will be designated a 10’ x 10’ space in which they can set up their tent, chairs, shelves or whatever you choose. We do not provide tents or other booth decor. Tents may not be staked into the ground; you may use sandbags, weights or bricks to anchor your tent. Please refer to our full Fair Policies for more information.