Sunnyside Mall Supports Local Talent with a Design & Artistry Showcase
Providing a platform for local artists and designers to showcase and sell their work was the idea behind the Design & Artistry Showcase that launched at Sunnyside Mall this past September.
Sunnyside Mall partnered with the newly formed Nova Fashion Incubator to establish the Design & Artistry Showcase, which allowed participants to exhibit their work in a 4,000 square foot space from September 12th to 14th. Artists and designers were invited to apply to be part of the impromptu gallery as a means to channel their talent into a business venture.
“Designers and artists often have trouble finding high-end spaces where they can showcase their work and connect with the community. We brought together artists and designers who have a thriving business sense to create a gallery for our customers to see the latest in local talent and creativity. It was a wonderful way to support up and coming fashion designers and artists and generated a unique community event here in Bedford,” said Lindsay Stockall, marketing manager for Sunnyside Mall.
Sunnyside Mall selected eight artists and designers to be part of the showcase free of charge. Participants used the space to sell current merchandise, promote an upcoming collection, and to gain brand recognition.
Amanda Kincaid, founder of Nova Fashion Incubator, said for many new artists and designers, the chance to showcase their work at a high traffic venue like Sunnyside Mall is much appreciated. “We’re establishing the Nova Fashion Incubator to provide new local designers with the space and equipment to build their fashion business. Nova will help them overcome obstacles to launching full fashion lines and get them on the path to selling their garments to the rest of Canada and beyond,” said Kincaid. “The Design & Artistry Showcase was a perfect opportunity for our prospective members to see the importance of getting their clothing to market. It provided a platform for local artists and designers to take that much needed next step. This event with Sunnyside Mall in Bedford was the perfect community partnership for our local designers.”
To highlight the importance of promoting their small business Sunnyside Mall will also invited exhibitors to submit press releases, photo packs, line sheets, bios and other materials to be part of a press kit. The kits were handed out during the Showcase.
Nova Scotia-based fashion designer Lisa Drader-Murphy reinforced the importance of nurturing local creative talent. Drader-Murphy opened a Turbine location in Sunnyside Mall this past August.
“As a fashion designer, I can attest to the value of highlighting local, emerging entrepreneurs in the arts. It’s so important to prioritize the marketing and business aspects of their creative endeavours. I’m delighted to see Sunnyside Mall supporting local talent.”
Sunnyside hosted a grand opening for invited guests and media the evening of Thursday, September 11th. The event was catered by Pete’s, Cristall Wine Merchants and The Middle Spoon. All three came together and created incredible cocktails, wine and cheese samplings and tasty mini deserts that complimented each other. The event also featured a ‘SWAG room’ similar to a gifting suite, providing complimentary bonus items for the first attendees to arrive from Bedford Orthodontics, Hallmark, Pete’s, Cazza Petite, Zacks, Blossom Shops, Cristall Wine Merchants, The Body Shop and Comfort Orthotics. In an effort to draw the showcase attendees back to our retailers and generate sales. The Design & Artistry Showcase opened to the general public the next day.
For more information on Sunnyside Mall visit www.sunnysidemall.ca
