Western Australians love to market it up. In recent times creatively slanted markets that pop up at a certain time, or are attached to a festival or event, have become increasingly popular.
Upcoming examples include the classic Denmark Arts Markets, held four times a year, the next scheduled for Saturday, April 4, in Berridge Park. If you’re considering a drive to Denmark, this is the day to go; the markets are a beautiful celebration of creativity (and include live performances, not to mention free early morning yoga!). You’ll also be able to watch sand sculpting by Shani Graham and Tim Darby.
For the more centrally located, The Beaufort Street Art Market is held on the first Sunday of every month (making April 5 the next one) from 9am-1pm in the Barlee Street Car Park on the corner of Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley. Pam Herron, Chair of the Beaufort Street Network, says the markets were an initiative of the network, a community group made up of residents and business owners on the street who all have the common goal of making Beaufort Street a better place to live, work, and play.
She says any artist or artisan from WA is able to apply for a space in the Art Market. “We realised everyone was doing food markets and felt Beaufort Street needed somewhere that the local creatives could come to once a month and display their wares, rather than having to rely on expensive galleries.”
The idea is proving popular amongst artists and marketgoers alike. As Herron points out, “Art Markets appeal to artists as they have a venue they can display from without incurring huge costs, and the appeal for the public is they can purchase locally made pieces at reasonable prices whilst enjoying a market atmosphere with entertainment and meet up with other local people, bring their dog down for a walk and just enjoy the atmosphere.”
The KickstART Market Day on Saturday, April 11, in the Perth Cultural Centre, is presented by Propel Youth Arts WA and is our state’s flagship event for National Youth Week. Kicking off at 11am, the Market Day is one of the highlights of the KickstART Festival and includes over sixty stalls of artistic wares, live music on the Swamp Stage, dance performances in the James Street Ampitheatre, the aMaze sculpture installation, and giant board games (among other activities).
Jamie McGleave, Marketing Manager for Propel Youth Arts WA, says the stalls themselves are always standout, describing them as the heart of the KickstART Market Day. “This year we’ve also programmed a particularly strong local music lineup with HyperFest, plus plenty more to keep everybody entertained throughout the day.” He says the market day is the peak period of the KickstART Festival. “So it’s our chance to really spread the word about all of our great creative workshops, discussion forums, concerts, art exhibitions, and other activities for young people that we’ve put together from April 7 – 27.”
While you’re entering dates on your calendar, remember to save time on Sunday, June 21, for a visit to UWA’s Winthrop Hall for the next Perth Upmarket, held four times a year, showcasing the wares of well over a hundred creative West Australians.
GILLIAN O’MEAGHER
