Gibraltar Artists and Artisans

GIBRALTAR

ARTISTS AND ARTISANS

Calling all Gibraltar-based Artists and Artisans! Gibraltar has some new art websites in town. Gib Mag’s Bea sat down with creators, Gerry and Louise, to get the lowdown.

BY BEA GARCIA

WHAT IS ‘GIBRALTAR ARTISTS & ARTISANS’?

These are new websites to promote local artists and artisans; created to enable them to sell to a much wider, and later global, audience. We wish to create a community of like-minded people who can socialise, exchange thoughts and ideas and even collaborate on projects. In these current, interesting times of social distancing, we’d like to have some virtual coffee mornings until we can meet up in person.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE GIBRALTAR ARTISTS & ARTISANS?

We are both passionate and prolific crafters/artists. During lockdown, we could see it would be difficult for local artists and artisans to sell their work. The shops have been closed and we cannot see when craft fairs and markets will be held again. We have created this new platform to showcase local talent.

IF AN ARTIST WANTED TO PUT THEIR WORK ON GIBRALTAR ARTISTS & ARTISANS WHAT WOULD THEY NEED TO DO?

Anyone interested in showing their work can contact us by:

Email: hello@gibraltarartists. gi Phone or text:54019105. Facebook page: artistsandartisansgib, Instagram page: arts_shop_gib, or through the websites: gibraltarartists.gi and gibraltarartisans.gi

ARE THERE ANY COSTS INVOLVED WITH SIGNING UP?

There is a small monthly fee towards website and marketing costs and a small commission at point of sale. There are no limits as to the number of items listed. Terms & Conditions are there to view on our websites.

AS FEMALE CREATIVES, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES YOU HAVE FACED?

We are both positive, resourceful, and determined; We are ‘glass half full’ type of people so we will always endeavour to find solutions

to any obstacles. If anything, our biggest obstacle is trying to do too much at once! We need to learn to pace ourselves.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG CREATIVES?

We have plans for initiatives for young people interested in creating, which we’d like to start in the near future. We would love to help them develop their skills as well as showcase their work. We have been discussing hosting workshops and eventually production of more goods in Gibraltar. There is currently a gap for young people who wish to learn for more hands-on professions. We would like to help them on their way to fulfill their dreams.

At the moment the website is only available to Gibraltarian Artists and Artisans. What are your plans for the future?

The websites are available to anyone with a Gibraltar connection. We hope to extend beyond Gibraltar soon, there is no limit really, watch this space!