Market Hall application guide
This guide is an in-depth breakdown of the PCAF Market Hall Exhibitor Application to help applicants better understand the process of applying. The left column shows you how questions and information are presented in the application, and the right column offers guidance on the purpose of the question and how to answer it.
If you have any further questions about the Market Hall, please get in touch via email with markethall@pcaf.org.au
part 1 : Terms & conditions
All applicants must read and accept the Terms & Conditions of the PCAF Market Hall before filling out their application.
Even if you have tabled at PCAF before, it is essential that you read thoroughly read the Terms & Conditions each year as policies may have been updated. Exhibitors are also expected to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct established in PCAF’s Operating Manual.
Comic Art Requirements
PCAF is an event dedicated to comic arts and a space for creators to prioritise representing themselves as comic makers – in order to be eligible to table at the Market Hall, exhibitors MUST have comics of their creation as the primary feature on their table.
Curation will be based solely on your responses to this form – even if you have tabled at the PCAF Market before, it is essential that you provide the requested information as all Market Hall applicants will need to supply examples of their comic work as a part of this form.
All applications MUST DISPLAY ADEQUATE COMIC EXAMPLES to be considered.
While exhibitors are permitted to sell non-comic materials at the Market Hall, these items should only comprise a minimum amount of your stock.
We often receive questions about whether zines with images and words / picture books are classified as comics – as a rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t primarily describe your work as a comic before any other descriptors, than it likely isn’t appropriate for it to be the focus of a table at PCAF.
Similarly, an application with 20 art zines and only 1 comic is less likely to be successful than an application with only 1 comic as comics should be the focus of all tables.
Table Sizes & Prices
Table allocation options are as follows:
STANDARD : $35 – Half Table | 90cm x 76cm space | 1 x chair
DOUBLE ALLOCATION : $70 – Full Table | 185 x 76cm space | 2 x chairs (limited)
Exhibitors may arrange additional seating and other accessibility accommodations (such as table placement) by contacting the Market Hall Team via email during their table confirmation (after application results).
The vast majority of our exhibitors will be allocated a half table space, this is for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows a higher exhibitor capacity so we can host as many comic makers as possible. Secondly, as a dedicated comics event, we encourage our exhibitors to focus their tables on their comics and related original work, and leave additional merchandise more appropriate for pop culture conventions / art markets at home.
Full tables spaces are available but highly limited, and are reserved for exhibitors with large volumes of stock such as publishers / small presses, exhibitors with at least 10+ comics, and creator collectives representing multiple comic makers. Allocations are not guaranteed and are made at the discretion of the Market Hall team.
If you have accessibility concerns for your table, we are happy to do our best to accommodate your needs, simply indicate your needs in the fields available later in the form, or contact us via email.
Table Helpers
Exhibitors are welcome to bring table helpers along to assist throughout the day of the Market Hall. Please note that any helpers assisting with bump in and bump out (outside of the SLWA public operating hours) will be required by the venue to be wearing a PCAF lanyard. Successful applicants will be able to indicate if they require additional lanyards during the confirmation period – it is expected that there will only be a maximum of 2 people behind a half table at any time.
If you are planning on bringing a table helper please be considerate of neighbouring tables and their space.
PCAF is not able to offer exhibitors on-the-day assistance with any matters related to their table such as moving stock, table minding for bathroom or food breaks, or sales.
As such, exhibitors are expected to be self-sufficient and organise their own additional help if they require it. Some exhibitors choose to have a table helper for the whole day, or just for peak times such as set up and pack down, or during lunch time.
If your application is successful, you will be asked if you require additional seating for a table helper as part of your allocation confirmation. This is the only time you book additional seating as it is taken into consideration during the finalising of the Market Hall layout. It is important on the day to not invite people who are not your helper behind your table / allow them to leave bags or other items behind your table out of respect for the exhibitors around you.
Exhibitor Displays
In the best interests of other exhibitors, attendees, and the venue, all displays and signage must be contained to each exhibitors table and not exceed 60cm above the tabletop.
Large convention displays such as print cages and standing pull-up banners are not permitted. Backing boards and power supply are not available at our venue.
PCAF has restrictions on the height of table displays both for safety and in the interest of exhibitors not obstructing the view of other tables.
A good guide when planning your setup is for displays to not go higher than your shoulder when standing. For exhibitors using display cubes common to artist alleys, you should not exceed two cubes on top of eachother.
Community partners may lodge a request special consideration for standing displays, though you MUST consult the Market Hall team in advance for approval. If your display violates the rules, you will be asked to take it down.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is compulsory for Market Hall Exhibitors as a requirement of the festival’s venue – details on successful applicant’s PLI will be collected prior to the Market Day, you are not required to have a policy at the time of application.
Single day PLI policies appropriate for markets often range from $40 – $90 in price, and it is the responsibility of exhibitors to arrange their cover.
All exhibitors must arrange their own Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and present their certificate of currency / proof of policy by the time of the festival weekend.
You DO NOT need to have a PLI policy already to apply for the Market Hall, if your application is successful you will receive further instructions about acquiring and submitting your PLI info to PCAF.
Exhibitors who are sharing PLI policies will all need to provide PCAF with a copy of their proof of policy individually for administrative consistency.
Adult Content
PCAF is an all ages event, so as such, any adult content be properly labelled and displayed discreetly.
Ensure that no graphic / explicit material is openly displayed – eg. closed book display only with sealed pages, and have appropriate signage / content warnings visible on your table.
Adult content includes graphic violence / gore and sexually explicit work.
Non-Permitted Works
You must have the right to exhibit and sell all work that you intend to display at PCAF, either as the creator yourself or through an agreement with the creator of a work.
The exhibition of AI generated content or promotion of NFTs are not permitted in the PCAF Market Hall – if you are found to have mislead the Market Hall Team in your application, or exhibit AI generated content or promote NFTs at the Market Hall, PCAF reserves the right to terminate your allocation.
Non-permitted content such as works that promote bigotry and incite hatred towards at-risk or marginalised groups.
Additionally, work that promotes NFTs or utilises generative AI (for both images and writing) at any point in the creation process is prohibited.
The above works are not permitted as they conflict with PCAF’s ethos and values in regards to celebrating human-made art, ethics and legality, environmental impact, and our dedication to being a safe, diverse and welcoming event.
For more information we recommend reading our Operating Manual and generative AI statement.
part 2 : Applicant information
Your Name
Fill in a first and last name for your application – this doesn’t have to be your legal name, but should be a real name (not a username / table name), you will be asked for your table name in a later question.
Email Address
All primary communication will be conducted via email so please ensure you have entered your email address correctly.
Pronouns (Optional)
Informs how you would like to be addressed by us – answering is optional.
Where are you based?
▢ Perth Metropolitan Area*
▢ Regional Western Australia
▢ Other (custom answer space)
(Select ONE answer)
Helps us understand our exhibitor community and plan any additional support needed for travelling exhibitors.
For “other” include your city and state if in Australia, and your country if from overseas.
*The Perth Metropolitan Area is considered south of Gingin, west of York, and north of Mandurah.
Have you exhibited at the PCAF Market Hall before?
▢ Yes
▢ No – but I’ve attended PCAF
▢ No – and I haven’t visited PCAF before
(Select ONE answer)
Helps us understand our exhibitor community.
Responses to this question do not impact the outcome of application.
How would you describe your table?
▢ Individual Creator
▢ Creator Collective
▢ Comics Retailer
▢ Comics Publisher
▢ Community Group
▢ Other (custom answer space)
(Select ALL ANSWERS THAT APPLY)
The majority of applicants will fall under the category of individual creator, though you may select more than one option if appropriate – eg. an indie small press owner may have a large number of their own comics as well as those by others, so is an individual creator AND a comics publisher.
Applications for retailers, publishers, and community groups are welcome, though you may be contacted by the Market Hall team to further discuss your proposed table plans.
If you’re unsure if the Market Hall is right for you, get in touch.
Will you be 17 or YOUNGER at the time of the festival?
▢ Yes
▢ No
(Select ONE answer)
Applicants aged 17 and UNDER as of the festival weekend will need to have a permission form signed by a guardian – sent out by PCAF with application acceptance, with exhibitors aged 14 and under requiring an adult chaperone on the day of the festival.
All exhibitors are expected to be self-sufficient in regards to their table as PCAF cannot facilitate on-the-day table assistance.
Please get in touch in advance if you have any questions or concerns.
Are you interested in facilitating any PCAF programming / being considered for Tale Town? (Optional)
▢ Tale Town publication contributor
▢ Academy Day presenter (festival weekend)
▢ Market Day workshop / activation facilitator (festival weekend)
▢ Monthly Academy session facilitator
▢ PCAF Stories Presenter – Kids edition
▢ PCAF Stories Presenter – Adults edition
(Select ALL ANSWERS THAT APPLY)
Answers help us identify creators interested in contributing to our festival and year round programming, as well as any projects we are seeking contributors for.
On the application form this question is followed by a space for you to further explain how you would like to contribute – eg. workshop topic.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses are expression of interest only and do not guarantee any outcome. If we would like to move forward with your programming / project contribution, you will be contacted separately to Market Hall communications.
Responses to this question do not impact the outcome of application.
part 3 : Table information
Table Name
This is the title that your table will be advertised under.
Would you like to be considered for a $70 FULL TABLE placement?
▢ Yes, I would like to be considered for a FULL TABLE.
▢ No, I would not.
PLEASE NOTE : The vast majority of successful applicants will be assigned a HALF TABLE as FULL TABLE allocations are strictly limited.
If you’re interested in a FULL TABLE placement, please elaborate on why you require the space.
(Short answer entry – write N/A if not required)
Explain why you would require a full table, please be detailed – eg. instead of “I have a lot of comics” please give an estimate of your stock levels, it can be helpful to include a photograph of any past table setups in your portfolio.
PCAF’s Market Hall is curated to showcase comics, meaning applications with original work are highly prioritised and requests for larger table allocations to accommodate t-shirts / charms / stickers / plushies / prints / other non-original fanart merchandise stock will not be considered.
Table Neighbour
(Short answer entry)
You may include the name of other exhibitors you would prefer to be seated next to – if it is essential that you be placed next to a particular person, you should both indicate this on your separate applications.
Neighbour requests are not guaranteed and are subject to application outcomes, hall layout considerations and mutual requests.
Please provide some examples of the work you plan to exhibit on your table.
In the spaces below please provide up to 3 links of where the Market Hall Team can view your work for curation.
If linking to a social media profile, please ensure examples of comics are easily viewable – if they aren’t, consider providing comic examples separately through a google drive / drop box.
You are welcome to include drafts / works in progress in your examples, as well as pictures of your past table displays if you have any. Additionally, if you can let us know more about your yourself, your work, and your application under the “Supporting Information” section.
All work linked will only be viewed by the PCAF Committee and will not be shared publicly.
Failure to follow the guidelines for providing examples of comic work is the most common reason for Market Hall applications to be unsuccessful.
Even if you have tabled at the PCAF Market Hall before / consider yourself and your work to be well known / are familiar with members of the PCAF committee, it is essential that you provide clear examples of your work as all curation is based solely on the information provided in your application and nothing else.
The most essential inclusion in your example portfolio is multiple examples of COMIC PAGES / INTERIORS.
A common mistake made is when applicants only submit the covers of their comics. While this may demonstrate that you have books, it does not meet the criteria for demonstrating comics, and your application is unlikely to be successful. Similarly, sometimes an applicant may submit just single illustration splash pages, and while these a great part of many comics, these also don’t provide a strong examples of comics for curation.
The easiest way to show us your comic pages is with a file sharing folder compiling examples hosted on Google Drive / Dropbox / a portfolio website.
For Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. make sure to double check the viewing / access permissions to your submitted material. Some services automatically set access to “restricted” and prevents us from viewing your submission.
We cannot approve applications without your portfolio, so we recommend using an incognito window or asking a friend to check that your links work correctly before you submit.
Your portfolio doesn’t need to include EVERY page of your comic, though the more pages the better. If you have more than one comic, including examples from MULTIPLE comics make for a stronger application.
Another way to show us your comics is by submitting a video of their interiors. This can be useful if you tend to make smaller, hand-folded zines, comics with unusual binding / presentation methods, or comics that would otherwise be difficult to digitise.
If sending a video we recommend also including some images of your comics incase of any playback issues.
Social media is better used as a supplement to your application, dedicated portfolios are best – however, if including social media profiles / websites make sure your comics are easy to find. Portfolios of standalone illustrations / merchandise or other are that isn’t comics are not considered when your application is assessed.
Even if your socials have photos/graphics showing your book covers, you still need to show us examples of comics pages.
Other supplemental materials you can submit as part of your application include: Webcomic hosting pages, thumbnails / roughs of upcoming comics, and photographs of past exhibitor table setups.
We do not recommend submitting online store listing as your portfolio as these often don’t provide us enough information and can be hard to navigate.
How many comics are you planning to exhibit at PCAF 2024
▢ 1
▢ 2 to 4
▢ 5 to 10
▢ Over 10
(select ONE answer)
This section refers to the number of different comics you will have, not how many copies you have in stock.
You can include comics that you have not yet completed, but will have completed for PCAF.
Will you be exhibiting work not previously seen at PCAF?
(Short answer entry – write N/A if not required)
PLEASE NOTE : You are not required to have new work in order to apply for the PCAF Market Hall, nor are you required to have it complete at the time of application. You can use this section to briefly let us know what new work you will be bringing.
During curation, priority is given to applicants exhibiting new work.
Please indicated the appropriate reader groups for your table.
▢ For kids (comics made specifically for children readers)
▢ All ages (suitable for most readers)
▢ Mature (suitable for older teens and up)
▢ Strictly 18+ readers only (comics with graphic violence, sexuality, and other strong adult themes)
(Select ALL ANSWERS THAT APPLY)
This information is to assist with Market Hall layout decisions to ensure the best experience for exhibitors and attendees. You can select as many as apply.
If you will be exhibiting strictly 18+ work you must disclose this.
If you’re unsure about how to classify your work, get in touch with the Market Hall team for guidance.
Responses to this question do not impact the outcome of application.
Supporting Information
(Short answer entry)
You can use this space to tell us a bit about yourself, your work, and let us know about any in progress work that you will have ready for this year’s Market Hall.
Table Waitlist
▢ Yes
▢ No
(Select ONE answer)
If we are unsuccessful in your initial application, you can choose to be added to a waitlist. In the event of another exhibitor withdrawing you may be contacted via email by the Market Hall team with an offer to fill the allocation.
In the event of a table vacancy, whether or not a replacement exhibitor will be sought / who on the waitlist will be contacted is decided at the discretion of the Market Hall team. Additionally, for the sake of fairness, late applications cannot be added to the waitlist
Do you have any accessibility requirements for your table?
(Short answer entry – write N/A if not required)
This information is to assist the Market Hall team in layout planning / table size allocation. Any information included here is confidential and will only be viewed by the Market Hall team.
If you would like to discuss your requirements in more depth / have any questions or concerns, please get in touch via email.
Responses to this question do not impact the outcome of application.
Do you have any other questions or comments?
(Short answer entry – write N/A if not required)
You may use this space to include any communications with the Market Hall team. We will be in touch with you regarding any questions either before the close of applications or afterwards, depending on the query.
If you have a question that you need answered promptly, please email us.
part 4 : community info survey
In the final section of the application we ask to tell us more about their identity so we can better understand our community.
These questions are optional and you can select “prefer not to say” if you would rather not answer.
This section is purely for survey reasons, with answers remaining confidential, and has no impact on the outcome of your application.