If your eye is regularly drawn to objects that are eclectic, distinctive and handmade with love, look no further than the Finders Keepers Market. A bi-annual three day market that features over 250 art and design stalls, the Finders Keepers Market is renowned across the country for selling a range of exquisite wares, spanning fashion, jewellery, accessories, art, textiles, stationary, homewares, ceramics, publications, children’s toys and mountains more.
Conceptualised by artist and designers Sarah Thornton and Brooke Johnston back in 2008, these creative’s were inspired to launch The Finders Keepers Market due to the lack of design market opportunities for local designers and artists. Frustrated with her inability to find the ideal platform to sell her jewellery designs, Thornton’s motivation increased and The Finders Keepers Market was born. Johnston and Thornton’s mission is to connect smaller local markets and designers with big expo events, to offer emerging artists the chance to expand their reputations within the widely revered market sphere. Showcasing original designs that are creative and lovingly hand-crafted, you can feel assured that the breadth of items will contain a personal touch.
With their first market being held at Carriageworks in Sydney in 2008 with a mere 20 markets on show, The Finders Keepers Market has now grown exponentially. The Melbourne leg of The Finders Keepers Market now boasts over 250 market stalls, held over three huge days of art, design, food and music.
Upon stepping through the doors of The Finders Keepers Market, you’re faced with a smorgasbord of activity aside from straight up market browsing. You can satisfy your tastebuds at the food and beverage stalls, quench your thirst with a couple of drinks at their bars, or get your caffeine buzz at either of their three stations which serve free coffee, and enjoy live music.
The Finders Keepers Market have launched their own app, so more market-goers have the ins and outs of the event at their fingertips. The app is colourful, quirky and easy to navigate – representing the essence of the market itself and the values of its founders.
The Finders Keepers Market will launch their Autumn/Winter collection on Friday July 22, and will run through till Sunday July 24 at the Royal Exhibition Building in the Carlton Gardens. Entry fee is a mere two dollars for adults, while children under 12 are free. While the official cast of designers will be released soon, you can expect to see a mix of local creators from Melbourne, along with well-known talents from across the country.
