The famous Finders Keepers markets that have made a name for themselves in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney will now head to South Australia, for their inaugural Adelaide event.
Launched in 2008, the Finders Keepers markets feature the work of independent makers and creators across the country. Over the years, the event has grown to become Australia's leading design market, promoting and supporting over 1,200 sellers annually.
Brooke Johnston and Sarah Thornton, two designers and friends in Sydney, had a goal. They wanted to create an environment for like-minded, creative individuals to sell their work. Neither girl had any experience in business, nor were they presented with a cent of funding. Thanks to their hard work and persistence however, the markets were born.
The event is held twice every year in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, but will be put on yearly in Adelaide. It is described as “more of a festival than a market” because of the wide range of things on offer to those who attend. Design, art, food and music are all strong elements of Finders Keepers, aiming to bring community spirit to the forefront and encouraging new and upcoming designers to step into the spotlight and show off their talents.
Market-lovers can expect a weekend of over 200 stalls at the Adelaide Showgrounds for the event.
Earlier this year, the markets were even given a smartphone app. The app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, makes it easy for those attending to find directions and receive notifications regarding nearby stalls and features.
Image © Mark LoboAdelaide local and Finders Keepers regular Naomi Murrell is excited to introduce her fashion label to a whole new audience at the first markets. “Making new friends is the best part of Finders Keepers,” she says. “We have great conversations with stallholders and visitors, it's always a fun time and it's a great way to connect with people.” Her new range of Organic Cotton Knitwear, Petal Stacker Rings alongside her Winter 2016 collection 'Motel' will all call Finders Keepers Adelaide home.
The range of talent at Finders Keepers is wide, and covers a whole array of different fashion designs, ceramics, stationery, candles and terrariums aplenty.
'Hey Reflect'o' by Lisa Penney Lisa Penney of 'Hey Reflect'o' designs high-vis fashion for those needing to be seen on the road. “I love my outfits, and the high-vis workman's vest was ruining every single one of them,” she says. “I launched 'Hey Reflect'o' to give cyclists a more fashionable reflective vest to be seen by motorists.” So why choose Finders Keepers to sell her designs? “The stallholders are always lovely and amazing, I love market people! I hear very good things about Finders Keepers!”
Adelaide's first ever Finders Keepers markets will be held from 12-14 August at the Adelaide Showgrounds.
