Marketing your Business

New for 2012 - "Made in Nova Scotia" – Galleries, Art & Craft Listing Category

The 2012 Doers' & Dreamers' Guide will introduce a new listing category to feature general Artisan Studios & Co-ops, Galleries, and retail locations that promote Nova Scotian artisans and sell uniquely Nova Scotian products, crafts and fine art.

The "Open Studio" category for Craft Council juried artisans that allow visitors into their studios while they are working, will remain a separate category.

• Studio/ Gallery/ Co-op/ Shop MUST be open and operational prior to making an application. The primary business purpose of the applicant MUST be to promote Nova Scotia-made products, craft and fine art to the traveling public.
• The designate can be operated as a "seasonal" business but MUST be fully open to the public a minimum of 90 days between June 1st and October 1st.
• Business hours MUST be clearly identified and published. Posting the specific days and times of day that you are open is most helpful to visitors but "Open by chance or appointment" is acceptable.
• Designates MUST have professionally produced way-finding signage directing visitors to the place of business.
• The designate MUST carry 100% Canadian craft and fine art.
• The designate MUST carry a minimum of 80% Nova Scotia-made product, craft or fine art. (Product: raw materials may be imported but finished product must be made and packaged in Nova Scotia.) Location’s inventory can include more than one Nova Scotia artist or crafts person (someone who lives in NS a minimum of 6 months per year).
• The department reserves right to determine suitability of the market/product match of the applicant and request proof of the criteria being met.
• Designates that DO NOT qualify include: farm markets, art supply retailers, general retail stores/ malls, general gift and souvenir shops.
• Please note that businesses can only have one listing and cannot be listed in both the "Attractions" AND "Galleries, Art & Craft" sections. Existing attractions with a retail space on site featuring Nova Scotia products, do not qualify for a second listing in this new category.