A two-week pop-up shop showcasing the work of makers and artisans opens in the Royal Arcade in Norwich on Monday, August 30.
Absolutely Artisan is a collaboration between city artists Safi Butler (@safi_butler_art on Instagram) and Rachel Collier-Wilson (@rachelmcw on Instagram) and will run until September 12.
Safi and Rachel are founders of the Nart2 Collective and are passionate about Norwich and helping to create a vibrant independent shopping experience in the heart of the city centre.
Rachel contacted a few agents advertising retail units in the city, hoping to negotiate a short-term rental agreement, and was delighted to find a unit in the Art Deco Royal Arcade.
Throughout the two weeks they will be joined by three other talented makers: designer and printmaker Jude Smith, LuckyBear Norfolk (@luckybearnorfolk) who makes bags and pouches and confidence-inspiring jewellery brand One of a Kind Club (@oneofakindclub).
Rachel and Safi recognise that as a community Norwich makers are very keen to support each other to regenerate an independent shopping experience in Norwich.
"We are hopeful that short term rental of retail spaces becomes a regular, accessible thing to do," they say.
"With a shared vision to bring economic and community life back into the centre of Norwich, pop-up shops can create a location for a shopping and fun experience that can’t be replicated online."
Absolutely Artisan will be in Unit 5 of the Royal Arcade, Norwich from Monday August 30 to Sunday September 12.
It will open Monday-Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-4pm.
Follow on Instagram @nart2collective.
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