ELIGIBILITY & DEADLINE
The program runs from October 1 through the end of the Fair the following year. All first-time applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 18 on the first day of the Fair. Enrollment begins after each Fair on October 1. The application deadline is December 31.
MENTORING
Applicants who are accepted into Next Gen will be assigned a mentor that is juried in their media category of interest. The mentor will make themselves available to the mentee throughout the year to advise them on their craft and provide encouragement. Each team will decide how this will be done – virtually, in-person or a combination of the two. You are welcome to have as many of these meetings as you both agree to but a minimum of three meetings are required in order to participate in the Fair.
It is important to note that in a mentor/mentee relationship, the mentor is freely giving their time and expertise, which is very valuable. The mentor is eager to help but it is the responsibility of the mentee to seek as much support and input as they desire from their mentor.
During the Fair, the mentor will visit the mentee’s finished work and will invite their mentee to visit their booth and/or visit the booths of other craftsmen.
COMMITMENT
Participants are encouraged to take full advantage of everything the Next Gen program offers. This includes participating in the Fair and may include online or in person gatherings with other participants and guest artists. Any concerns or questions should be brought to the immediate attention of the coordinator for expedient resolution. Everyone’s success is dependent on a strong team effort!
Required for All Participants
- Work with your mentor to identify 3 goals to work on together during the current year.
- Have at least 3 meetings with your mentor prior to the Fair. They may be in-person, virtual or a combination.
- Attend two Fair-prep meetings even if you are not sure that you will be at the Fair. The first is in April where Important information will be shared that will help with deciding on whether to participate in the Fair. The second is in early July. Parents/guardians must attend these meetings with participants. Even if you aren’t participating in the upcoming Fair, it is important that you understand all that goes into it.
- Come to a decision about Fair attendance within 2 weeks of the April Fair-prep meeting to allow for proper planning.
Required for All Fair Participants
- Come to the Fairgrounds the Friday before the Fair opens to set up and meet with the coordinator and Fair Staff.
- Help with break down from 5pm to 7pm on the last Sunday of the Fair. Mentees need to be accompanied by an adult to help with set-up and break down. Inability to help during set up and/or break down may impact the mentee’s ability to continue in the program.
- Participant’s parents/guardians are required to sign a waiver authorizing permission to participate and must provide a way to be easily reached if needed. The signed WAIVER must be turned in to the coordinator prior to the Fair.
- All Fair participants need to create a display for their body of work. The work for sale and the display needs to be well-crafted and of excellent quality. Each participant must also fulfill a volunteer obligation set by the coordinator. Fair participation is based on adherence to these standards.
CONDUCT
Members of the Next Gen program are like junior ambassadors of the League of NH Craftsmen. Mentees are expected to behave in a professional and cooperative manner at all gatherings, meetings, and for the duration of the Fair. This includes being considerate of other mentees and their property, as well as of League staff members, Mount Sunapee staff, all Fair employees, volunteers, and customers.
COMMISSION
Participants are charged a 6% commission on their retail sales which is used to cover program expenses. Participants will receive a check for their retail sales, minus the 6% commission. Additionally, a fee of 7% will be charged for any sales that are paid by credit card. Every attempt will be made to pay participants within 30 days of the close of the Fair.
Questions? Reach out to League HQ at [email protected] or call 603-224-3375
