Meet the Makers

What have you discovered in your own backyard lately? Meet the Makers is a series of eight events which allow you to get to know Collingwood and Fitzroy's artists in their natural habitat. Curator Bernadette Alibrando explains that, “all the individuals who have been selected for Meet the Makers are extremely passionate about what they do”.  Seven years ago Alibrando launched TOAST, an initiative to connect people in New York with the artsy goings on in the Tribeca area. Alibrando has taken this principal to Smith and Brunswick Streets, and the laneways in between.

Meet the Makers launches at Dear Patti Smith on Smith Street, featuring printmaker Cat Poljski’s work (pictured) and her exploration of imagined cities. Following the opening night are seven events (all free, except for the Fehily Contemporary Dinner) in which you can: illustrate on an iPad at Redbox Studio; expertly polish shoes and discuss the world’s finest whiskeys at Double Monk; see how beer and art go so well together at Upstairs at the Napier; listen to agent Jeremy Wortsman chat about what The Jacky Winter Group looks for in an artist; hob nob with Australian art collectors at a Fehily Contemporary Dinner, and hear street artist Rone talk at Everfresh Studio. A closing party at Dear Patti Smith will wrap up the series. “The events are educational. You will discover new ideas and techniques and be exposed to the work of amazing individuals.” Alibrando says.

Alibrando has put energy and love into selecting the Meet the Makers artists. For her, they capture the creative core that makes Collingwood and Fitzroy the art mecca of Melbourne’s inner north. “They have made their passion into a livelihood. They have continued through the ups and downs,” she says.  “They have created unique spaces and diverse business that have contributed to the cultural community of Collingwood and Fitzroy.