We are excited to welcome submissions from printmakers and galleries for the inaugural Spike Print Fair — a new premium print fair coming to the South West of the UK. We invite applications from individual artists, artist collectives and galleries alike.
Produced in partnership by Spike Island, Spike Print Studio and the Centre for Print Research, UWE Bristol, Spike Print Fair brings together artists, printmakers, illustrators, designers and small presses working across traditional and experimental print practices. The fair is an opportunity to share work directly with the public, connect with fellow practitioners, and be part of a lively, welcoming event rooted in Spike Island’s long history of supporting artist-led production.
Spike Print Fair forms part of Spike Island 50, an ambitious anniversary programme marking 50 years since Spike Island and Spike Print Studio were founded as Artspace Bristol. The year celebrates our experimental ethos, the communities and collaborators who shape our work, and our ongoing commitment to artists, audiences and creative practice. Looking both back and forward, Spike Island 50 honours this legacy while inviting new generations to help shape the next 50 years.
Open Call launches: Wednesday 4 February
Open Call deadline: Sunday 12 April, Midnight
Spike Print Fair opening Private View: Friday 24 July, 6–9pm
Spike Print Fair: Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 July, 11am–6pm
Cost of stalls
We offer stalls at 3 tiers, depending on size of space required and what sort of exhibitor you are.
Members of Spike Island Studios, Spike Print Studio, Spike Island Workspace and business tenants, and Spike Island Associates will receive a 15% discount on the price of a stall.
There is no fee to submitted an application and selected exhibitors will only be charged after confirming their attendance and option of stall.
1×2 metre hanging space
Table 182 x 74
3×2 metre hanging space
Table 182 x 74
8×2 hanging space (2 x 4x 2)
Table 182 x 74
Included in the cost of a stall
Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of managing members of Spike Island, Spike Print Studio and the Centre for Print Research, UWE. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 1 May, 2026.
Selected stallholders will be provided with further practical information following confirmation.
Spike Island is committed to anti-racism and to addressing inequality in the arts sector. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, part of the Global Ethnic Majority, and/or come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
For any further questions, please contact spikeprintfair@spikeprintstudio.org
The information you provide in this form will be used only to support planning and decision-making for Spike Print Fair. You will not be automatically added to any marketing or fundraising mailing lists, and your data will not be shared with third parties. All information will be stored securely and handled in line with data protection legislation.
What are the Print Fair opening hours?
Friday 6 to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Where is the market taking place? And is the location accessible?
The market is taking place on the ground floor of the Spike Island and fully accessible. For more access information visit our Access Guide, or feel free to contact our team with any questions you may have.
T: +44 (0) 117 929 2266E: admin@spikeisland.org.uk
Will visitors pay to visit for the Fair?
No, entry to the Fair will be free to the public. Public attendees will be encouraged to give a suggested donation of £3 to help support the work of Spike Island.
What press and marketing will Spike Print Fair undertake?
The event will be supported by a city-wide marketing campaign, which includes social media coverage in the lead-up and during the event, and with coverage across our mailing lists.
Successful applicants will receive mentions and coverage of their involvement in the fair across social media, and the event will be professionally photographed with stallholders receiving images of their involvement after the event.
Do I need to attend both days?
Yes, we ask all successful applicants to attend the fair in person,
How will I know if I have been shortlisted as a Stallholder?
We will contact every applicant directly within 30 days of the Open Call deadline, to inform them whether they have been selected.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, we encourage all stall holders to have their own insurance and public liability. Artwork will not be insured by the organiser.
How much time do I have to set up my stall?
The space will open from 9am on Friday, giving stall holders plenty of time to setup.
If you are selected, you will be contacted ahead of the event with recommendations of dropping off your artwork and for parking during the event.
How will the stalls be taken down?
You are required to hang and take down your artwork for which you will need to bring your own equipment. After take down you must fill, sand and paint over holes with matt white paint (which Spike Island will provide). Hanging takes place throughout the day on Friday. Take down is on the final Sunday from 5pm.
An Open Call for Printmakers and sellers to show and sell works at Spike Print Fair, July 2026, produced by Spike Island and Spike Print Studio in partnership with the Centre for Print Research, UWE Bristol
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