The new arrivals are:
Art@The Thomas
Shop 107: Art @ The Thomas (local artists' collective which runs regularly rotating exhibitions)
"We are super excited about setting up our Gallery space at 107 Fitzroy Street! We are planning artist floor talks by Robert Lee Davis - 'In the Mind of an Artist" - how an artist thinks, plans and creates'; Cinda Manins - 'Art as Activism'; - an ikebana floral demonstration and display; and drawing workshops with Rebecca Garfield. It is great to be part of Renew Fitzroy Street where we have the support of the other traders."
Art@The Thomas is managed by Cinda Manins (ceramicist), Robert Lee Davis (mixed media) and Rebecca Garfield (painter).
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday 11 am to 5 pm
- Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Contact: Cinda Manins [email protected]
Domestic Fantasies
Shop 52: Domestic Fantasies (vintage homewares and furniture)
"Being comfortable in our homes is vital to the pursuit of happiness. Domestic Fantasies hope to make your dream couch or must-have lamp a homebound reality!"
Domestic Fantasies is a specialty vintage furniture store launched by Courtney DeWitt and Corine Auzou to celebrate their passion for 20th-century design and share one-of-a-kind treasures. In addition to furniture, Domestic Fantasies offers beautifully crafted products at affordable prices with a recycle and upcycle ethos, stylish housewares, lighting and objects du jour from both local designers and faraway places.
Opening hours:
- Weekdays 10 am to 6 pm
- Weekends 10 am to 5 pm
Contact: Courtney DeWitt [email protected]
PluginHUMAN
Shop 6/63: PluginHUMAN (illumination and immersive art by award-winning duo Dr Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer).
PluginHUMAN's work centres around the art of illumination. We shall establish an art studio featuring light sculptures exhibited in the shop windows. The sculptures will be illuminated 24 hours a day, creating a major visual impact for the street. In the back section of the shop will be our makers' space where we create our new artwork commissions. People will be able to see behind the scenes - how the work is made, activating the space, bringing it to life with new ideas being formed. The studio is open seven days, by appointment.
Contact: Betty Sargeant [email protected]
About the Renew program
There are now seven shopfronts in the program where landlords donate vacant premises to up-and-coming traders, with rolling 30-day rent-free licences negotiated by Renew Australia. This gives the temporary traders time to test new ideas for a commercial market without committing to a lengthy commercial lease agreement. We contributed $75,000 to the project, with matching funding provided by the Fitzroy Street Business Association.
The support continues after the doors open with business advice readily available from Renew and Council network mentors.
Keep an eye out for workshops being held by some of the first participants for everything from macramé to living art pieces.
