Market Collective, take it or leave it, is one of the most unique and charming little things Calgary has going for it. I feel as though at the very least, it should at least be appreciated for what it is, if we ever wish for Calgary to possess a little bit of culture and community.
I do not mean to incorporate another's review into my own, but I noticed the striking question, "Who does it benefit?" previously stated.
Market Collective is a lovely community space in which many emerging local artists and musicians are able to showcase their efforts (some for the first time) in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. I know a few local musicians who have received much exposure in the community from playing Market Collective and continue to thrive. As far as local artists, it offers an environment where one is able to book a table for the weekend and see how their work is received.
I do not mean to come from any bias, as I have been attending the Market Collective since 2008 when it first came to be, but this weekend has been my first Market Collective experience as a vendor. Vegan baking is a very consuming hobby of mine. While I have sold my baked goods privately, as well as travelled to other cities such as Victoria for business, this has been the first time I have ever sold large quantities of my vegan bakes at a public event in Calgary. At first I was terrified that I would make no sales. Despite having to be there all day, the warmness of the other local artists makes Market Collective a fun place to be. Also, I sold out of almost all my product by the end of the day, which showed me that if I did actually leave my house, the demand for vegan baked goods is there, and not all Calgarians are rednecks here for the oil money and steakhouses. ;)
All of the artists work extremely hard to prepare for Market Collective, and there is a variety of things to be seen; yes, there are feather earrings a plenty, but local clothing designers, jewellery makers, artists with paintings and prints, food, knitted goods for the winter, photography, and pottery also exist. Everything is hand crafted! While it perhaps isn't for everyone, it pains me to see some of Calgary's very talented individuals disrespected as "hipsters" or overlooked because their body of work may not appeal to everyone. Events such as Market Collective are rather important to the success of some of the artists and I am very happy it exists.
The event itself is run mainly by volunteers. Admission is a food bank donation to be passed along to the Interfaith Food Bank. Upstairs, there are typically other local organizations who seek to raise public awareness with various activities; this time around I have seen the Sexual Health organization, Take Back the Night with their brilliant adbusting activity, as well as the Calgary local filmmaker's organization. read more