Recent Updates – 29/03/2024
- Updated to reflect new dates for event, closing application date, and date to qualify for a full refunds.
- Update on payment deadline for successful applications.
- New clarifications on LGBTQIA+ themes in romance and erotica based comics/zines.
- Further clarifications on all AI generated work being banned.
- Additional fields for separate social media links for examples of work.
- More detailed information on required image uploads.
- Further clarification regarding adding additional creators to your table after successful application.
- Slight alteration to explanation on mature content and how to display.
- Additional information regarding changing in venue toilets.
APPLYING TO BE AN EXHIBITOR
Applying does not automatically grant you a place at PrideCAF 2024. Applicants must fill out all required sections of the form and provide examples of work that is their own or have full permission to exhibit from the original creator. Fan comics, fanzines and art from popular culture are allowed as long as you are the creator of the artwork being sold.
Successful applicants will be selected on the following criteria.
- Applicant(s) must identify somewhere under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
- Applicant(s) must only exhibit their own work or work with full permission from the creator.
The festival is to celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals and their work, not just if that work is focused of LGBTQIA+ themes. However, comics and zines focusing on romance and erotica are more likely to be accepted if LGBTQIA+ stories are the focus. If you are part of a creative group with members who are not part of the community you are still allowed to apply as long as the majority of the group identify as LGBTQIA+.
As this is a Comic Art Festival, comics, graphic novels, illustrated books, and zines will take higher priority when selecting applicants. Illustrations, prints, badges, charms etc are also allowed but will take lower priority if you’re not selling comics, zines, etc as well.
The following types of work are not allowed to be sold or shown at PrideCAF. If your application consists of any of the items below your application will be denied.
- Work not created by you with no permission from the original creator to sell.
- Work discriminating other groups or people or promoting hate speech.
- AI generated content both in art work and written word.
If you are found to have fabricated your application with intention to deceive the organisers on what you plan to display/sell your application will be revoked. We do not question or gatekeep peoples’ sexual or gender identities or how they wish to represent themselves. However, if it is found you do not identify anywhere under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella your application will be revoked. If the application is revoked after payment for a table has been received no refund will be issued.
You will be required to send us examples of your work which can be via any website and/or social media. You don’t have to fill all links but we will require at least two examples for a successful application. If you are successful with your application all your links and socials will be advertised on our socials and website so make sure all links are correct. If you don’t have work available online you can still apply but will be required to email examples to hello@pridecaf.co.uk with your full name as the subject header.
You will be required to upload an image representing your work so we can advertise you on our website and socials. The image must be 1080px by 1080px and the file labelled with your table/creator name. Failure to name your file correctly may harm your application. You can upload a maximum of 5 images for any other applicants you are sharing as they will also require an image.
TABLES
When applying please select the size table you wish to have on the day. Prices include one table and two chairs (additional chairs can be provided at no extra cost). Please note, we’ve had to increase our tables prices slightly from last year due to the increase in costs running the event.
- 4ft Table – £30
- 6ft Table – £45
- 3ft Half Table – £22.50
We are happy for two artists/groups to share a table as long as both provide required information in the application form.
Like previous years, there is a smaller amount of 4ft tables compared to 6ft tables. In the case we run out of 4ft tables, There is an option in the application form agreeing that an exhibitor is happy to share a 6ft table with another creator. The price for this will be reduced to £22.50. In this case, PrideCAF will be selecting which exhibitors will be sharing together. PrideCAF will pair those together most suited to each others’ work (e.g One creator who draws light-hearted, family friendly content won’t be paired with someone who draws adult themes).
If your application is accepted you will be sent an invoice for your priced table and have 14 days to pay in full. Payments are accepted via bank transfer. Alternative payments can be discussed but, due to their unclear ToCs, we are unable to accept payment via PayPal. Payments will be made to Rough Sketch Productions LTD. Rough Sketch Productions LTD is a not for profit business that creates and runs events, like PrideCAF, for the LGBTQIA+ community, helping promote and engage in art and theatre. All money taken from table costs goes right back into PrideCAF so it can continue being a free event for the public and affordable for creators.
If any exhibitor is found selling items that are not allowed at the event (listed above) they will be asked to leave the venue without refund. Anyone found selling their work at a table or within the venue they did not originally apply or pay for will be asked to leave the venue and barred from future events. If you are successful in your application and have paid for your table but later decide you wish to share with another creator to share costs please get in contact with the PrideCAF organisers ASAP. We are happy for people to share costs but we will require contact information and examples of work for the new creator. PrideCAF have the right to deny anyone being part of the event who they are not aware of displaying/selling their work on the day.
VENUE
The Station is an accessible building with lift access to the first, second and third floors. There are accessible toilets located on every floor. The front of the venue has level paved access.
Exhibitors are prohibited from attaching anything to walls or fixtures inside the venue. PrideCAF is unable to provide backboards but you may bring your own. Tables must be kept tidy and all paths, especially fire exits must be kept clear. We are unable to promise main power supplies for electrical items (e.g laptops, phone chargers).
To provide better access to guests and prevent injury and damage, large items such a cycles (including foldable one), scooters. e scooters etc will not be allowed in the event space. You will be asked to leave these outside of the main exhibit halls at your own risk. The exception to these are mobility aids such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, crutches etc.
No animals are allowed in the building with the exception of registered assistance animals. This includes emotional support animals.
While we take all efforts to look after exhibitors and guests please note PrideCAF and The Station are not responsibly for any personal belongings.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
If you wish to take any photos or videos of any tables or work on display you must ask permission from the exhibitor first before proceeding. While taking photos and videos within the venue, please be mindful of other members of the general public who may not want their person being photographed.
PrideCAF will have a hired photographer on site taking footage of the day. Most photos will be taken with permission from the person in the shot. If you believe you have been captured and wish your image not to be used you can contact the team at hello@pridecaf.co.uk.
MATURE AND ADULT CONTENT
As this event is open to all ages, adult content is allowed but must not be displayed on your table fully uncovered. If your work does include mature content and themes please label content and trigger warnings appropriately. You are allowed to promote your adult content work with subtle signs on your table (e.g “Ask me about my 18+ stuff” ) which 18+ guests can request to see . However, if you are found promoting or selling adult work to minors (anyone under the age of 18) you will be asked to leave the premises without refund and, if required, authorities will be contacted. If you are unsure or have any questions please contact us at hello@pridecaf.co.uk
ZERO TOLERANCE
PrideCAF does not and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying, or abuse towards exhibitors, guests, volunteers, venue staff, or the general public. This includes but is not limited to:-
- Purposely invading or blocking access to other tables and exhibitors.
- ‘Hard selling’ or intimating customers.
- Haggling or intimating exhibitors.
- Damaging or stealing exhibitors stock or property.
- Gatekeeping – When someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity.
- Discriminating against someone’s race, religion, gender, sexuality, accessibility needs and/or age
PrideCAF is a friendly, inclusive event for everyone who attends. If staff of the event or The Station feel you are in breach of these rules you will be asked to leave the venue, if you are an exhibitor this will be without refund. In extreme situations authorities will be informed. If you see anything during the event that looks to be a breach of the rules or against the law please contact a member of the team or venue staff. Volunteers will be around to help with any issues. If you feel unsafe or harassed in anyway by anyone at the venue please let a volunteer or member of staff know who will be more than happy to help.
Everyone is allowed to wear what most feels comfortable to them. However, as this is an event for all ages no extreme fetish gear and no complete nudity and/or genitals on display. Cosplay is highly encouraged but no large props or realistic looking weapons. There are no plans of yet for changing rooms on site though this might change in the future. The venue has many large toilets that can be used for changing but please be courteous of those who may need to use the facilities.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the backbone of any good event and will be respected as such. Anyone found harassing a volunteer will be asked to leave the venue and, in extreme cases, will be reported to the proper authorities. Volunteers also agree to respect guests, exhibitors, venue staff and the general public. Any volunteer found abusing powers, stealing money from exhibitors or stealing/damaging stock will be released from their duties, removed from the venue and banned from future events.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation of table bookings with a full refund must be made before Friday 28th of June. After this date we will be unable to refund any table payments.
If you qualify for a refund but paid for your table in a different currency other than pounds sterling you will be refunded back at the current currency conversion rate. E.g. if you paid €52 for a £45 table you will be refunded £45 regardless of the current conversion rates.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact hello@pridecaf.co.uk
COVID 19 AND GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
(As of 28/02/2023)
While there are currently no guidelines from the UK Government regarding Covid 19 and social distancing, we will not stop those from wearing face masks and coverings throughout the venue. We will continue to try and provide enough space for people to walk without congestion and, if things do get popular, will implement a one-in/one-out system to prevent overcrowding.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the venue with signs asking the public to make sure their hands are dry before touching any goods. If the weather is suitable, windows and doors will be kept open for good airflow.
In the case of Government guidelines changing to full lockdown or restrictions on public events, PrideCAF will be rescheduled and exhibitors given the option to keep their table for the rescheduled date or for a refund.