Business Information – High Street Galleries

Are you a business in Horsforth and want to get involved in the Walk of Art? Here are some frequently asked questions which may help you.

When is the walk of art? 

The Horsforth walk of art festival takes place on the 1st weekend in July from 11am to 4pm both days. 

I would love to sponsor you; how can I do that? 

We are always looking for sponsorship for various aspects of the walk of art.  Previous businesses have sponsored the printed map, our website, our boards and any additional promotion. 

Get in touch with us through our email: Horsforthwoa@outlook.com 

Or contact Kezia on 07984 025 335 

What is a high street gallery? 

The High Street Galleries will exhibit work created by local schools in collaboration with participating artists.   

We are looking for local to LS18 businesses on Town Street, New Road Side and Station Road who are willing to display school artwork from the end of June to the day after the walk of art (specific dates to be discussed). 

What do I need to do to be a high street gallery? 

Just say yes!   

Our volunteers will collect information from you re: size of window, contact information and any specific information we may need to know. 

Our volunteers will then contact you nearer the time to let you know which school will be displaying their artwork in your window. 

We will pop by a few days before the event and put the artwork up 

Then we will visit you shortly after the event to take the artwork down. 

I don’t want to be a high street gallery; how else can I contribute? 

We have a theme every year, why don’t you decorate your property/business for everyone to see?  Enter into the spirit of the festival! 

This year’s theme is ‘Back to my Routes’!

Can I just have an artist in residence instead? 

If you can offer this for both days then, yes.   

Do I have to open my venue to both days? 

If you want to host an artist then yes, preferably, as most artists are looking for venues for both days.   

If you are a High Street Gallery, then you do not need to be open both days as long as the art is visible to the public 

Will it cost me to participate? 

No not at all. 

Do I need to already have an artist lined up to host an artist? 

No, you can register as a venue alone and we can match you with an artist that suits their requirements. 

The application survey will help to gather this information so we can share with the artists. 

I already have an artist is that ok? 

Yes, that is even better, all you have to do is register as a venue and there will be a question asking who your artist is.  Please make sure your artist also registers so we can gather their information. 

I am an artist; can I showcase my art in my own space? 

Yes absolutely, just register separately as an artist and then venue. 

Do I need to offer an activity at the venue? 

We have asked all artists to provide a hands on activity for our visitors. Or at the very least, inspire through conversations and demonstrations where possible.  As a venue, you could also add an activity.  Bun making, Colouring in, pavement art? 

Should I think about a cover? 

Yes, if outside, please also discuss with your artist about a pop-up gazebo which may be required. 

Should I provide food and drink for my artist? 

Depends on where/what your venue is.  However, if you are signing up to host an artist for the weekend then it would be nice to offer them at least a cuppa!   

What happens about Marketing and promoting 

We use all social media platforms to promote the event, this includes a ‘spotlight on…’ campaign where we focus on the artists and where they will be. 

We have a very well visited website which provided information about each artist and where to find them on the day. 

We advise that in order to make your event a success you, as a minimum, share all social media postings and talk regularly about the event. 

We also provide each venue with a sign courtesy of our promotors, which you can pick up nearer the event.  This sign will help to make each venue easily recognisable from the curb.  

When will I get my sign for the venue? 

We will contact you nearer the time to come and collect the sign, bunting to decorate your venue and any other information you may need for the day. 

If you cannot collect the sign, then we will also discuss this nearer the time? 

If you are a High Street Gallery, you will not get a separate sign 

Where do I put my sign? 

You can place this anywhere on your property as long as it is visible and secure. 

If you are a High Street Gallery, you will not get a separate sign 

Is it my responsibility to put my own sign up? 

Yes, where it is physically possible.  If there are any reasons as to why this is not possible then we are more than happy to arrange something. 

When do I put my sign up? 

At least 1 week before the event where possible as this is a great promotional item for your venue. 

When do I take the sign down? 

As soon as possible after the event 

Where do I return my signs and bunting? 

We will give you this information when you pick up the signs. 

Who manages the risk? 

We ask that for each venue you consider any potential risks to the public and remove them or highlight them where possible.  E.g. Is there a particularly steep step?  Why not make a sign? 

The simple rule to follow is to remove any slip, trip or hit hazards.  

There is a theme for the festival, does my venue need to reflect the theme? 

Not at all, we always use a theme for our wooden themed shapes that the children create to hang outside their schools. 

This year’s theme is ‘Things that go’!

Other artists and venues have in the past embraced the theme.  Or why not decorate your venue? 

Can I talk to someone about participating? 

Absolutely – you can contact us by: 

Email Horsforthwoa@outlook.com 

Phone – 07984 025 335 (Kezia) 

Social Media

How can I apply? 

The application period will be up and running between the date of 1st Jan until 31st March. The application link will be made available via our website from the 1st Jan and across all social media platforms.

I need to change some information I have already provided through the application process? 

Please contact us through our email account – Horsforthwoa@outlook.com 

If you do not have access to a computer, then please ring Kezia on 07984 025 335 

My question is not here? 

Please contact us and we will not only answer you but add your question to this Q&A.