FAQS


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Why not consider applying for an EU Grant to attend EuroSynergy?

EU residents can apply for grants towards an event such as EuroSynergy.
There are two ways to do this.

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The first option is through the lifelong learning programme:

1. Begin by using this link http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/
2. Select the Grundtvig Practical Learning for Adults option.
3. In the right hand margin entitled ‘In depth’ select the ‘How to find partners for Grundtvig actions’ which will take you to another page.
4. Select your country from the list
5. Read all the information available, and make your application. There are contact details for help on the site, so you will be able to get advice on your application.

It looks a little complicated at first, but please don’t be put off. Let us know about your experiences.
The second option is through your own country’s Ministry or Office of Culture.

All countries have grants available for different kinds of art for which you can make an application. If you need advice or help, you can contact Synergy committee member Maria Alexandrou by email [email protected]

EuroSynergy Frequently Asked Questions – Gallery

Below are answers to commonly asked question about EuroSynergy. Contact us if you don’t see your question answered or ask your question in the Forums.

Gallery FAQs

Q: What is the EuroSynergy Gallery?

The Gallery is a component of EuroSynergy that provides attendees and presenters an opportunity to showcase and sell their polymer clay works of art as well as purchase from other artists. There were over 60 Gallery artists selling at the last Synergy in Atlanta, with more than $30,000 in sales. All sales at EuroSynergy will be in Euros. Major Credit cards will be accepted.

Q: How do I register for a table in the Gallery?

When we open registration in mid October, there will be a place to register for the Gallery. Spaces may be limited and FAQs about this will follow soon.

Q: What may I display and sell?

The Gallery is reserved for finished pieces – not tools, equipment, or materials. The conference theme is Together: New Vision so we anticipate many items reflecting that theme, but the Gallery is not limited to the theme. Most items in the past have been personal adornment, but are not limited to just jewelry. Because EuroSynergy is a polymer clay conference and the IPCA is striving to elevate awareness of this medium’s artistic applications, we request that all items be primarily polymer clay in their construction.

Q: How much does it cost to participate?

There is no entry fee to participate; however, a portion of your sales will be donated to the IPCA to cover the cost of the conference. Donation percentages are 10% for Gallery volunteers and 15% for those that choose not to volunteer time to work in the Gallery. You must volunteer to work at least one hour in the Gallery to receive this discount. Upon registration you will be contacted about volunteer availability and hours.

Q: Will I be required to be at my table space each time the Gallery is open?

You will not be required to man your own space. As long as we have enough participants willing to volunteer an hour or two when the Gallery is open, there will be no need for artists’ to staff their own displays. We will provide a central checkout process for all items.

Q: How does the Gallery operate?

The Gallery will be staffed by members of the Gallery Team and volunteers, who will sell your artwork, collect and pay applicable VAT tax, and pay you through PayPal when EuroSynergy is over and all the accounting is completed. You will not be required to be present at your table space during Gallery hours; however, you are responsible for completing a contract and an accurate inventory sheet as well as tagging your own items, setting up your space on Wednesday and Thursday before the Gallery opens, and breaking down your display space on Saturday afternoon after the Gallery closes. You can tidy up your table space and restock any-time the Gallery is open for sales. Set-up, and breakdown times will be shared as schedules are finalized.

Q: How do I sign up?

Look for Gallery sign-up information on the EuroSynergy on-line registration form (please wait until the registration is open). When registering and signing up for Gallery space you will also be asked to indicate your willingness to volunteer in the Gallery. The spaces are limited based upon the size of the Gallery room, so sign-up is on a first come/first served basis. Early registrations have the best chance of securing a Gallery table. There is no guarantee of a table space for those registering late.

Q: What should I know about the Gallery display spaces?

Artists will have covered and skirted tabletop spaces in the Gallery. Wall displays are prohibited by the hotel. Power will not be available at the display tables, but all efforts will be made to light the area adequately with available room lighting. The exact size of the display spaces will be determined by the total number of participants and the size of the Gallery room, but it is likely that you will only have a space that is 18 inches by 18 inches to allow more room for as many as possible. When planning your display, please note that your space could have 360 degree visibility; no walls or backdrops are provided. You may bring tabletop jewelry display props and small signage. All storage containers and restock items should fit under the table at your assigned space or stored in your hotel room; unfortunately, extra storage space for each artist is not available in the Gallery. Remember that you can always check your table throughout the conference and restock it as needed.

Q: How secure is the Gallery?

The Gallery will be locked at all times during non-Gallery hours. Gallery Team members will be present during setup, restock, and breakdown as well as during open Gallery hours. Volunteers will act as table monitors during open Gallery hours to assist the Gallery Team. Of note, no thefts were reported in the Gallery at past Synergy conferences as we are an international family and respect each others’ property.

Q: What if I have other questions?

Please feel free to contact the EuroSynergy Gallery coordinator, Karen Woods, with any questions you may have. Email at [email protected]

EuroSynergy Frequently Asked Questions

Synergy FAQs

Q: When does EuroSynergy Take Place?

Pre-conference Workshops: April 28, 29, 30 2014

On Site Registration: April 30 2014

Conference: April 30 – May 1, 2, 3 2014

Q: What is EuroSynergy and who is organising it?

EuroSynergy is the keynote conference in the polymer clay world and is organised by the International Polymer Clay Association – www.theipca.org  It is the first major IPCA event to be held outside the US and gives participants the opportunity to network with artists from all over the world.
The committee is :
Conference Chair – Alison Gallant
Program Chair – Christine Dumont
Publicity Chair – Veronika Sturdy, Kerrie Venner
Gallery and Vendor Hall – Karen Woods
Special Events – Judy Belcher
Registration – Barbara Forbes-Lyons
Grants and International Liaison – Maria Alexandrou

Q: Where and when is it being held?

The venue is the luxury Dolmen Resort Hotel in St Paul’s Bay, Malta – www.dolmen.com.mt and the conference starts on the evening of 30th April and closes on 3rd May, 2014. The Dolmen is a 4* Conference and holiday hotel, situated on the bay, with several outdoor pools, one indoor pool with a gym, and a spa offering pampering and treatments. The purpose built Conference Centre is situated on the first floor and boasts a large room seating up to 400, with breakout rooms leading off, all with AV facilities.

Q: How do I travel to Malta and does the hotel have a shuttle bus?

By air to Malta International Airport – http://www.maltairport.com/en/home.htm At the bottom of their home page, under Passenger Guide, is ‘Destinations’ with a map showing from where you can fly direct to Malta. Many of the airlines are low-cost. There is information about travelling trans Atlantic on the ‘Forums’ page – www.synergyconference.net/forums/synergy-forums/ , along with opportunities for finding travel companions from other continents. The hotel doesn’t have its own shuttle bus but, also on the airport home page, under ‘Getting Here’, are details of Shuttle, Bus and Taxi Services. There are two more shuttle services not mentioned on the airport site – www.a2btransfers.com/Malta-Airport-Bus and www.resorthoppa.com/Malta-Shuttles

Q: Can I come to EuroSynergy if I’m not a member of the IPCA?

When you register for EuroSynergy you can select ‘non member’ and a one year membership will be activated and added to your total.

Q: Will there be ‘hands-on’ workshops too?

There will be opportunities to take workshops on the 28th, 29th and 30th April. We will shortly be looking at the submissions and the selection will be publicised soon after. The hotel will offer the discounted Bed and Breakfast guest room rates for the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. Lunch, mid morning and afternoon drinks and dinner are not included on the workshop days.

Q: What else is happening?

We hope to arrange a coach tour of Malta on Wednesday and are looking at the options available.

Q: Where can I eat if I arrive before the conference package starts?

There are restaurants at the hotel, serving a variety of menus and a very large number along the coast and in the small town, all within a few minutes’ walk. Mini supermarkets are close by, but food and drink bought there shouldn’t be taken into the hotel.

Q: Is wifi free in the hotel?

Wifi is free in the Conference Centre and the hotel will give access in the guest rooms at a reduced rate

Q: Which sockets are available for plugs in Malta?

The guest rooms have sockets for EU 2 pin and UK 3 pin plugs. You will need to buy an adaptor before leaving your own country, if yours are different, and you want to charge a phone, laptop, tablet etc. while you are in Malta. Every guest room has a hair dryer.

Q: Can I ship boxes to the hotel in advance?

Yes, the hotel will take delivery of boxes a few days before our event. If you want to take advantage of this, please contact Alison Gallant for instructions, via Donations/Sponsorships on the home page.

Q: How do I book a space in the Vendor Hall?

Contact Karen Woods via the home page with full details of what you would like to sell. She will be in touch.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Malta?

Not if you live in the EU, but you must check if you are coming from other countries.

Q: How can I apply for an EU Grant to attend EuroSynergy?

EU residents can apply for grants towards an event such as EuroSynergy.
There are two ways to do this.
The first option is through the lifelong learning programme:

1. Begin by using this link http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/
2. Select the Grundtvig Practical Learning for Adults option.
3. In the right hand margin entitled ‘In depth’ select the ‘How to find partners for Grundtvig  actions’ which will take you to another page.
4. Select your country from the list
5. Read all the information available, and make your application. There are contact details for help on the site, so you will be able to get advice on your application.

It looks a little complicated at first, but please don’t be put off. Let us know about your experiences. The second option is through your own country’s Ministry or Office of Culture. All countries have grants available for different kinds of art for which you can make an application. If you need advice or help, you can contact Synergy committee member Maria Alexandrou by email [email protected]