Beyond June 2011......

I've been pushed to think about this a little more seriously with the approach of the interviews for the second part of the PPD3 module, but it's actually helped in settling my mind a little in how many opportunities are actually out there if I set my mind to it.
I've started researching into a few more craft fairs around the UK that I could potentially try to sell my work at throughout 2012. The British Craft Trade Fair is high on my list already, as I had such a great experience there last month,but here's a few more that I'd like to visit and get a feel for the vibes of the fairs to see if they're a potential selling place for me in the near future.

Origin: Made not manufactured... held at Spitalfields Market in London, with 17,000 visitors in one week with over £700,000 taken on sales in 2010.

New Designers: One Year On. June 2011
"For the 12th year running, New Designers is proud to present One Year On, a major feature within the event. This is a focused zone, showcasing a group of 50 young designers with an entrepreneurial flare and a strong body of work.
Buyers, collectors and press absolutely love One Year On, so this is a fantastic opportunity anyone who has set up a business within the last 12 months."
...Tough call, but not unrealistic?

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Spinningfields in Manchester. October 2011.
They also have a graduate section: "Chosen from degree shows and New Designers exhibition 2010, these 14 graduates are amongst the best new talent from across the North. Showcasing a wide variety of techniques, ideas, inspiration and media, these new makers are undoubtably ones to keep an eye on for the future."

It might be worth looking at smaller, regular events that would be cheaper to buy a stall at. There are a few established in Leeds such as Handmade and Reetsweet, but it's worth considering venturing to London for a different market base and hopefully a broader audience to strengthen my experience. Stour Space in central London sounds like a fantastic place to look out for.

There's also other events nationwide such as The Contemporary Craft Fair, based in Devon. Held in the height of Summer, this looks to be a guaranteed busy event - again with a different audience and market base to the North. It's further to travel, which entails more costs, but potentially worth a look for the future?

Also took a quick look at funding, as I'll almost certainly need it...:

Arts Council

"CIDA is Cultural Industries Development Agency is the leading support organisation for the creative and cultural sector."