Way back in 2007, Thornton and a designer friend noticed a lack of market type opportunities for local designers and artists, and consequently, founded the bi-annual event. Now, seven years on, the Finders Keepers Market features stallholders that sell such things as fashion, accessories, jewellery, textiles, art, stationery, home wares, ceramics, publications and childrens’ toys. It aims to bridge the gap between small local markets and mega-events like expos which are generally out of reach for emerging artists. So how did Thornton get started?
“The two of us first got involved in 2007,” she says. “Brooke and myself are designers, and we started Finders Keepers in Sydney; our first event was held at Carriageworks. There was a lack of design markets and we wanted to start something community-driven for designers and artists. Our common goal was to make it more of an event with music food wines – make it something people would like to go to and spend time there. We started out with 20 stalls and it grew. In providing a platform for local artists and designers we keep the grassroots character of the market, yet keep the focus on quality.”
Did Thornton have any idea of how big the event would become? “We didn’t know it would become so huge,” she confesses. “It was a matter of starting at the right time. We had a good reaction after starting it in Sydney so we decided to do it in Brisbane and Melbourne, too. It’s organically grown from there. It’s a big event now – it’s gone from 20 stalls and a small space to 250 designers and food and music
“Our biggest event is in Melbourne – we are starting to introduce a Farmers Lane. The concept for food beverage and plants started in Sydney from having food-based stalls selling local handmade products from small businesses, like good quality produce like nice cheeses, teas, relishes. There’s been a rise in interest in handcrafted homemade food and organic local products. We also have workshops where you can do creative things, learn new skills and get inspired. Plus we have debut spots that artists and designers can apply for, where people who are just starting out get a premium spot. They’re seen as soon as you walk in the door. It fits the vision of why we do the market – it helps these labels get started.”
BY LIZA DEZFOULI
