Case Studies
Issue No. 51 - February/March 2010
Bower for art business
A new art business forum, Bowerbird Bazaar, launched late last year to create a channel where designer-makers could sell their work to the public and at the same time promote it to retail and trade buyers.
Co-organiser Jane Barwick returned to Adelaide two years ago after 11 years in London and Melbourne. A jewellery maker and partner in In-sync Design, she runs weekly jewellery workshops. Colleague, Rebekah Cichero returned to settle in Adelaide after an eight-year stint in London in visual merchandising, interior architectural design, and styling for interior design magazines. Rebekah co-runs the furniture, clothing and homewares shop One Small Room, makes a range of hand-printed textiles and products for her Sproutdesign range, and doing interior design work.
“Artists can sell at retail, which brings in cash that can be used for production or establish a mailing list, get direct feedback from buyers, test pricing, meet other designermakers who are involved in other design markets. It is fertile ground for discussion and tips,” Jane says.
Bowerbird also offers an opportunity for media profile and to establish networks and business relationships nationwide. Bowerbird maintains an active blog and catalogue.
“We also play an informative role for emerging designer-makers starting and expanding their businesses – tips on how to approach wholesaling and internet sales,” Jane says. “The usual practise for many designermakers is to sell on con...
