A Decade of Midtown Makers
Ten Years ago in 2014 an idea was formed about opening a shop in Ballymena, that would house a growing art & craft business from an increasing number of Crafter & Artists, that had been through the Ballymena Business Centre's Start Up program. They found the premises on Church Street and began the operation of renovating a building that had been vacant for the previous seven years.
The first occupants, were offices that moved in on the first floor, then a collection of young people, creatives, that were at University and were completing their degrees.These young people were lucky to find funding from Banks, Lottery, etc. In November 2014, Other Artists & Crafters, who were running their small businesses from home, were given the chance to set up and sell, their handmade gifts.
The first occupants, were offices that moved in on the first floor, then a collection of young people, creatives, that were at University and were completing their degrees.These young people were lucky to find funding from Banks, Lottery, etc. In November 2014, Other Artists & Crafters, who were running their small businesses from home, were given the chance to set up and sell, their handmade gifts.
In 2016, some of the young people moved on to other universities or onto other things. Midtown Makers became a reality and with extentive recruitment. The shop began to fill with a selection of handmade gifts with quality and some we never had stocked before. We had our first Workshop, by Shelley from Felting Crazy.
More followed and became a fixture of what Midtown Maker provided for both Crafters & Customers. Shop has had two refits in it's ten years, till what we have become. Also. during this time, we have won different Awards for what we provide and do, for our Windows and much more. Our Crafters, have won awards for their talents, all over Northern Ireland and some have went on to join become part of ensuring a National Trust business is now a success, to others who have branched out into other areas, using their talents.
With a Range of Workshops each month, these were popular until Covid, caused them to stop. Some crafters continued online, keeping in touch with people and giving them a chance to keep active.
During Covid, the crafters & artists, helped with making of uniforms for NHS staff and Care Homes ,Masks for anyone who needed them, were always available in many colours and designs as they tried to add a bit of colour in those days of gloom.
During Covid, the crafters & artists, helped with making of uniforms for NHS staff and Care Homes ,Masks for anyone who needed them, were always available in many colours and designs as they tried to add a bit of colour in those days of gloom.
Over the years, we have maintained services to help young Start Up Craft Businesses, One that stands out and still continues is Retail Ready, where you can get the chance to sell free in a high street retail setting, free for 2 months. Details can be found on this website or click on this link
https://www.midtownmakers.co.uk/retail-ready
Over the years, we have had fantastic events and exhibitions as well as working with Mid & East Antrim council, Ballymena Bid, MacMillan, International Women's Day, Business Roadshows, Midtown Sounds, Young Crafters & Young Photographer Competitions.
So. much more that happens, would take another Ten Years to tell, check out Our Archives.
Each Month, we will add a little more of our ten years to the Story
https://www.midtownmakers.co.uk/retail-ready
Over the years, we have had fantastic events and exhibitions as well as working with Mid & East Antrim council, Ballymena Bid, MacMillan, International Women's Day, Business Roadshows, Midtown Sounds, Young Crafters & Young Photographer Competitions.
So. much more that happens, would take another Ten Years to tell, check out Our Archives.
Each Month, we will add a little more of our ten years to the Story