I'm interested to hear what crafters and lovers of handmade think about where craft fits into the future of Christchurch. I'd love to hear your ideas. What does Christchurch need that would help our craft community thrive? What should the new Christchurch craft scene look like?

I would love to see more markets coming up for Christchurch. Something a bit more regular so people can get out and about more often now that all we have are malls

Also, perhaps for crafters a regular meet-up might be nice too like Crafty Business but just on a social note to keep in touch with other local crafters.

I will keep thinking on it ....

Thanks Julia - I totally agree, I'd take markets over malls anyday! I think it would be cool to have a space/venue specifically designed for markets that could be booked for all kinds of markets – it wouldn't necessarily have to be the same thing every week/month, although from a brand perspective it would be nice if the events held there had a common theme.

Something with indoor and outdoor spaces? Like the Arts Centre but perhaps a little more contemporary, more of an edge?

In the short term, perhaps we could allocate a time and place for the Crafty Business crew to reconvene socially. Any suggestions for where and when?

Hi Lucy

I think about this in the wee hours and then forget to jot down my thoughts so here goes:

A dedicated regular indoor craft market that is aimed at Christchurch residents rather than tourists would be fantastic, so definitely as you say like the Arts Centre but not necessarily in looks and certainly more edgy, less formal. If this also incorporated a chill out - social area for crafters to meet, share ideas and get creative. Somewhere that could also incorporate some studio space, storage and rooms that could be used formally /informally for skill sharing or offering classes. To work really well for emerging crafters /artists I'd see it working best if the studios / classrooms (for want of a better word) couldn't be block booked so that the greatest variety could be catered for.I suppose this might be along co-operative lines?

It would be lovely to see somewhere for Crafty Business too.

Other things I'd like to see are some sort of craft studio trail or maybe craft installation somewhere in ChCh...

Wow, I love feltmark's idea!

There is a huge old building in the New Brighton Mall that is currently being used by an awful second hand charity and everyone hates them for being there. Imagine a craft coop in that place and it would turn Brigthon around. Surely the rent for that building can't be too much...

Have you guys heard of Garden City Market? It's an undercover market that operates every Saturday and Sunday in Hornby. Well worth a look.

Garden Cafe on Marshland Road is launching market days from the 16th June. It will be held every Saturday & Sunday. There is room for up to 30 stall holders. We are currently looking for stall holders. This will be an upmarket market offering handmade and new products. Please email bookings@gardencafe.co.nz to register your interest and for more information