Wyndham council will launch a pop-up retail space in Werribee for local creatives, designers and artists to showcase their products next year.
The MADE on Watton pilot project will transform a vacant store at 90 Watton Street into a curated, market-style experience featuring hand-made textiles, stationery, ceramics, homewares and jewellery.
As well as supporting local creatives hit hard by COVID-19, the short-term project is part of the council’s efforts to bring people back to the Werribee city centre and “reactivate” its retail spaces.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said MADE on Watton will also give shoppers a unique shopping experience, where they could meet and buy directly from amazing local designers and makers.
“We know that our local creative industry has been hit hard during COVID-19, and it has been particularly challenging for those emerging artists and designers who would normally do their businesses through markets and stalls,” Cr Hegedich said.
“That’s why this summer, Wyndham City will create an innovative pop up retail space in Werribee city centre to give a leg up to Wyndham makers, designers and artists.
“MADE – which stands for Makers, Artists, Designers and Entrepreneurs – is an opportunity to celebrate local artisans, showcase their creations, and give them the opportunity to test their product in a commercial environment.”
Wyndham’s creative city portfolio holder, Cr Marcel Mahfoud, said MADE on Watton would draw on similar successful models in Newcastle and Adelaide.
“It’s a win, win – emerging creatives can build commercial experience and test their ideas in a space not otherwise being used and it provides new reasons to visit and to shop in our city centre,” Cr Mahfoud said.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to support local, and we’ve made it even easier for you by bringing together local, creators and artists under one roof.”
MADE on Watton is expected to launch in January, with expressions for interest now open for stallholders at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/madeonwatton
