Creative Kernow Associates x MAKE Southwest: Guest Makers Open Call 2026

Deadline: 5pm on Sunday 5th April 2026

We are seeking four artists/makers, each to be featured as a guest maker in the MAKE Southwest shop for three months:

• May 2026 – July 2026
• July 2026 – September 2026
• September 2026 – November 2026
• November 2026 – January 2027

Selected makers will have their work stocked and sold through the MAKE Southwest shop for the duration of their placement.

Makers will be featured under the Design Frontier banner – a brand promoting and representing the best of design and craft from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, established by Creative Kernow in 2018.

We welcome designers and makers working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly working in all mediums to apply. You may want to refer to MAKE Southwest website to make sure it is the right context for your work.

This showcase is aimed at all designers and makers, especially those who have limited experience of showing/selling their work outside of Cornwall.

You must be a Creative Kernow Associates member to apply (membership starts from £5/month).

Work must be:

• Of a high professional standard
• Of strong quality and craftsmanship
• In keeping with the standard and aesthetic of work already sold at MAKE Southwest
• Suitable for a contemporary craft retail setting

All selected work must be available for sale through the MAKE Southwest shop. This is a retail opportunity, and applicants should ensure they are prepared to supply saleable work for the full duration of their placement.

Makers will be responsible for providing sufficient stock and maintaining consistent quality throughout their agreed period.

Selection

Makers will be selected based on:

• Suitability of your work to the opportunity;
• Whether your work brings something new to the MAKE Southwest Shop;
• The impact this opportunity may have on you and your business.

The selection panel are:

• Laura Wasley, MAKE Southwest
• Anna Harris, Creative Kernow Associates
• Member of MAKE Southwest Selection Committee TBC

• There is no cost to apply to or take part in this opportunity, but you will need to be a CKA member to apply;
• Selected makers are expected to supply 20-30 pieces of work if they are small, or 10-15 pieces for medium and large pieces;
• The shop takes item on sale-or-return basis, 50% commission will be taken on all sales;
• Selected designers/makers will be responsible for transportation of their work to and from Bovey Tracey;
• The panel will decide which 6-8 weeks slot each of the exhibitors will be allocated.

There may also be opportunities to further engage audiences at MAKE Southwest during your placement:

• The option to deliver a paid workshop, if of interest
• The opportunity to take part in a Meet the Maker event

These elements are optional and can be discussed with selected makers.

Please fill out the following application form.

If you are interested in delivering a workshop or Meet the Maker event, please include a brief outline of your proposal.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Deadline: Sunday 5th April, 5pm

We hope to select and inform all applicants of a decision by 17^th April 2026.

MAKE Southwest (formerly Devon Guild of Craftsmen) is a renowned exhibition space for contemporary craft and design and a leading charity for craft education. It is unique in being the only retail and exhibition space in the Southwest dedicated to supporting makers across the region.

Located in Bovey Tracey on the edge of Dartmoor, MAKE Southwest features large galleries that host inspiring exhibitions and events, encouraging visitors to support, create, and learn about contemporary craft. The space welcomes over 120,000 visitors annually and boasts more than 300 Maker Members.

As a registered charity with educational goals, MAKE Southwest reinvests profits from its trading ventures to support its mission. This includes funding its exhibition programme, school and community projects, lectures, and learning initiatives.

With the exception of a few select items, the MAKE Southwest retail gallery exclusively showcases the work of its Members. Meanwhile, its exhibitions strive to present a wide variety of the contemporary craft from across the UK.