Janette Gajic has announced the launch of Fergus Arts Council, a not for profit organization dedicated to supporting the local artisan community – including visual and literary arts, music and live theatre.
The cornerstone of launch is the opening of the Fergus Artisan Marketplace on Oct. 1.
“This unique artisan marketplace is being made possible through the generous support of George Mochrie and Cherry Hill Entertainment” said Janette Gajic, art director for Fergus Arts.
Cherry Hill will be reconfiguring its existing 10 retail space to allow the construction of 14 booths during Phase 1 of the Fergus Artisan Marketplace, as well as the administrative office for Fergus Arts. According to Mochrie, “We believe the best way to showcase our very talented local artisans – including youth artisans – is to give them a venue where they will be seen and heard.”
Approximately 30,000 people pass through the doors of Cherry Hill every month, and space will ensure artisans benefit from that. All the movies and products at Cherry Hill will remain – with certain wholesale operations and administrative functions relocated to another building.
Gajic said, “Fergus Arts will administer booth rentals at the Fergus Artisan Marketplace, with flexible and attractive weekly or monthly rental rates being made available to Fergus Arts members.” Cherry Hill will offer a central sales check out for all vendors and is open late 364 days a year. Mochrie said, “Obviously we would like nothing better than if our artisans become commercially successful.”
He said a number of booths will be made available to entrepreneurs. “An incredible opportunity for new entrepreneurs awaits,” he said, adding, “On site mentoring and financial support will be made available. The best way to create new quality jobs in our community is to encourage and give support to the development of new local entrepreneurs – and nurture their success.”
Gajic said certain short term rental space will be made available at greatly reduced rates to promote various artisan groups and events, youth artisans and public exhibits. Better utilization of the Fergus Grand Theatre to showcase local talent is also high on the agenda of Fergus Arts – as well as working with the community and artisans to encourage visual artwork in outdoor public spaces, musical talent, and theatre in unique outdoor venues.
Mochrie and Gajic are committed to making Fergus Arts and the Fergus Artisan Marketplace a success. They said they will need the support of the community at large.
Fergus Arts will be offering memberships and launch a community fundraising and sponsorship campaign later in the year. Memberships can be obtained through Janette Gajic at 519-787-1688 or email janette@fergusarts.ca. .
