|
SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
MAC Receives a FedNor
Grant for the Muskoka Marketplace
Muskoka
is home to hundreds and hundreds of talented artists. A challenge for
many of these artists is reaching a broader market and developing a
reputation that will increase the value and desirability of their work.
Now, visual artists living in Muskoka will have an exceptional
opportunity to showcase their work at one of Canada’s most prestigious
shows.
The
Town of Bracebridge in partnership with Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc.
and with funding from FedNor is spearheading a project that will see
sixteen artists from Muskoka featured in the Muskoka Marketplace at the
Spring One of a Kind Show held in Toronto from March 30 until April 3.
2011. Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. is the administrator of the project
that will benefit all of Muskoka.
The
One of a Kind Spring Show is part of a family of events that produce the
most innovative trade shows in Canada that brings together artists,
craftspeople and designers to share their distinctive creations with the
largest consumer turnout for an artist/maker show in Canada. Held at the
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto, the Spring One of a
Kind Show attracts more than 50,000 consumers.
“The
One of a Kind Show is thrilled to host this special section and connect
these artists and artisans, many of whom have never shown their work in
Toronto, with our many customers", said Patti Stewart, Director of
the One of a Kind Shows.
The
Muskoka Marketplace will have a separate and custom designed 900 square
feet of show space that will include free standing displays and sale
areas for each artist, a central booth and display area promoting
Muskoka as a designated arts community, an idea set in motion by Muskoka
Arts & Crafts Inc. in 2008.
Financing
for the $69,000 project comes from FedNor, the Town of Bracebridge and
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc.
Cheryl
Kelley, the Town’s Director of Economic Development, stated, “This
is exactly the type of initiative and partnership that was contemplated
in the Town’s Community Adjustment Plan that was developed through
extensive community input in 2008”. Kelley also said, “Without the
funding from FedNor this particular project would not have been
possible. We are pleased to be a part of Muskoka Marketplace because it
builds on an already successful partnership with Muskoka Arts &
Crafts through our Art in the Heart Program – it adds another level of
business support to artists in Muskoka.”
The
Muskoka Marketplace provides support for sixteen artists and
craftspeople of Muskoka that includes the cost of entry to the 2011
Spring One of a Kind Show, use of a professional display booth,
promotional literature, and market readiness workshops. In addition to
having their work presented to a large consumer audience, the Muskoka
Marketplace will be included in the One of a Kind website and their
publicity. The One of a Kind Show annually spends one million dollars in
the Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario market, presenting a
publicity campaign that spans print, radio, television and the internet.
“For
many artists just starting out, the larger shows can be cost prohibitive
and generally intimidating due to their size,” remarks Miranda
Britton, the President for Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. “Through
this one time opportunity, the participating artists will be able to
experience a large scale craft show without the stress of having to make
back their booth fees or figuring out the logistics of designing and
setting up a booth,” says Britton, a professional jeweller who has
sold her jewellery at the One of a Kind shows..
Selecting
artists to participate in the Muskoka Marketplace will be a two-step
process. Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. will compile a short list of
artists and the One of a Kind Show organizers will make the final
selection.
“Muskoka
Arts & Crafts will be looking for artists who are at the cusp of
being market ready for a large retail market,” explains Elene Freer,
the Curator/Coordinator for Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. who initiated
this exciting venture. “We will be looking for artists working in all
types of visual media and from all corners of Muskoka. Excellence is the
deciding factor.” Freer also notes that Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc.
will be inclusive of all visual artists living in Muskoka and
that is why membership in the non-profit organization is not an
application requirement.
The
administrators for the One of a Kind Show will choose artists who have
not been previously accepted in any of their shows, can demonstrate that
he or she has the capacity to produce the volume of work required for a
five day retail show of this size and is producing work that is unique
and cannot be found everywhere, especially in and around the Toronto
area.
“An
amazing cross-section of people visit the One of a Kind Shows each
year,” observes Britton. “Despite their diverse backgrounds, all of
the visitors share a strong appreciation for all things handmade. With
this significant presence, Muskoka Arts & Crafts will be perfectly
situated to introduce Muskoka and its artists to new customers. By
creating a Muskoka inspired environment in which to showcase our
artists, Muskoka Arts & Crafts will be able to provide a taste of
the artistic wealth that our community has to offer.”
Artists
who are interested in learning more about the Muskoka Marketplace should
contact Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. for the Call for Entry and the
application form by calling 705-645-5501 or emailing info@muskokaartsandcrafts.com.
To download, click on the link: Call
for Entry.
 
|
