BIPOC and 2SLGTBQIA+ artists, this is for you!
Luna Collective, an aesthetic boutique for locally handmade and vintage goods located on Fort Street, has announced the fourth year of their annual Makers Award.
This award has been a foundational part of their business since they opened their doors, having been started in 2021 by the owner, Eryn Beattie.
Eryn’s goal was to support the artists in the community by doing something that would directly benefit them and make what Luna does possible.
Applications opened on January 20th and will remain open until February 29th—two $1000 grants will be awarded to individuals who are driven and dedicated to making a living through the creation of wares/art.
Eryn and the Luna team are thrilled to focus on BIPOC and 2SLGTBQIA+ makers this year to support them in reaching their goals.
“Often small creators are visionaries and will have dreams of what they would like to do, but not have access to the financial means to get there,” Beattie told Victoria Buzz.
Especially for those within marginalized communities, who may face disproportionate barriers to access reliable funding.
“We hope that this award will impact the winners and provide access to finances so that they can work towards their active goals.”
Grant winners will then have the opportunity to invest in new materials or supplies, equipment to help scale their business, or even use the funds towards vendor fees for markets.
Additionally, Luna Collective has partnered with Shannon from Bespoke Market in Squamish, so each winner will also receive a vendor spot in one of the 2024 Bespoke Markets, plus a one hour vision planning consultation session.
Beattie told Victoria Buzz that it was Shannon that approached her after learning of this award and wanted to get involved—which will be an amazing opportunity for the artists.
“With Shannon offering a place in one of her markets the winner will have an opportunity to make new connections and grow their business in a tangible way,” added Beattie.
“We also strongly believe that Shannon’s coaching session will make a big impact on helping a business owner that is wanting to make steps to grow.”
They have had between 8 and 15 applicants in previous years and they would love to see more, so long as the applicant meets the requirements found here.
Last year’s winners included Sydney Wiebe, an aspiring Indigenous creative designer with a focus on beading, crocheting, and Lino cut printing; and AJ Miller, a queer non binary artist from K’jipuktuk (Halifax, NS) who is dedicated to making pieces that tell the story of their life.
Through this award, Luna hopes to bring visibility to each artist, both new and previous recipients, so they can continue to grow in their reach.
If you wish to learn more about this opportunity and apply, you can do so on their website.
