16 December 2016

Canberra’s thriving craft scene inspires a new market in Phillip

| Julieanne Strachan
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Art in the Park

Update: Due to the wet weather the market will now be held indoors in the ArtPath Exhibition space, at 1/53 Colbee Court, Phillip. 10am-3.30pm tomorrow.

A fine art and craft market will be held in Phillip this weekend, Saturday December 17, giving Canberra’s large number of handcraft makers a chance to sell their wares.

Director of the Makers’ Collective Mikaela Danvers said it was an opportunity that was increasingly needed by artists and creatives in the ACT.

“Canberra’s craft scene is really wide and varied,” she said.

“There is a little of everything going on from quilting and cards to furniture and fine art.

“I think there is a gap in the market for well attended, affordable markets for makers who are new to selling.”

The coming market, Art In The Park, presented by the not-for-profit organisation ArtPath and the Phillip Business Community, will be held in Colbee Court from 10am-3.30pm.

Paintings on canvas, small sculptures, bags and children’s clothes will be on sale. Winner of the 2016 ArtPath Inaugural Art Prize, Karl Perrson, pictured here with ArtPath president Christine Jarrett, will be at the market to talk about his work.

Carl Perrson, pictured here with ArtPath president Christine Jarrett

“I think the general public is becoming more aware of how big the craft scene is becoming due to the popularity of the Canberra Handmade Markets and the pop-up shops that are happening,’’ Ms Danvers said.

Both the Canberra Handmade Market and Christmas Markets were held over the weekend of December 10-11, attracting enormous crowds to EPIC, in a sign that there is not just strong supply in the ACT – but strong demand for homemade goods.

“I think handmade items have a special appeal because they are not mass-produced, and Canberrans seem to like supporting small and local, with profits going into the pockets of the makers, rather than big business CEOs, “ Ms Danvers said.

Ms Danvers, whose background is in graphic art, said she started the Makers’ Collective to build an online community that would give creative people a boost.

“I’m doing this so they [artists and makers of handicrafts] will have an awesome network of like-minded peeps to empower them to pursue creativity in business and in life,’’ she said.

The Makers’ Collective offers members a chance to seek advice and learn about coming markets and workshops to expand their business skills.

Ms Danvers said a lot of people regarded craft as hobby until they could build it up into a job and a business.

“It is extremely common for craft makers in Canberra to have day jobs where they earn a salary and run their craft businesses as a side-hustle to supplement their income or fill a creative need for themselves,’’ she said.

“It can be a really good way to start out – by keeping the financial security of a pay packet while also venturing into having your own business.”

ArtPath President Christine Jarrett said the market would be an ideal place for Canberrans to buy Christmas presents for discerning loved ones.

“ArtPath is a not-for-profit organization which aims to create pathways for artists through community development projects, education and art promotion.

“This market is a great end to the year for us.’’

creating-my-world
Creating My World by Varvara Naumova – winner of the Inspiration Prize in the ArtPath competition.


Will you make it down to the Art In The Park market at Colbee Court, Phillip on Saturday, December 17? Do you think Canberra’s arts and craft industry needs further help to contribute to ACT life?

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Julieanne Strachan12:29 pm 16 Dec 16

Hi Melissa, thanks for your comment. In answer to your question yes, the Makers’ Collective has a website: https://themakerscollective.com.au

Julieanne Strachan12:21 pm 16 Dec 16

Update: the market will be held indoors due to the wet weather. It will now be held in the ArtPath Exhibition space, at 1/53 Colbee Court, Phillip.

Looking forward to it. Always great to see and buy hand made items. Hoping this can become a regular thing in Phillip. Turn up and check it out.

Melissa Carrington10:59 am 14 Dec 16

This sounds like a great idea. I will definitely be checking it out. Do the Makers’ Collective have a website?

The fantastic Shop Wanniassa is worth a visit, too. It’s in the old news agency at Wanniassa Shops, and is a mini craft market. It’s open every day from 10 to 6, right up until Christmas Eve.

I can’t face the Handmade Market any more – it’s fabulous, but far too busy for me these days!

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