ARTE market fairs: Souq with a soul

An art group here is not just about fancy paintings - it supports local charities, pushes housewives to pick up skills, creates opportunities for cash-strapped residents and opens doors for bargain hunters.

These goals gel together during market fairs held by the Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) inside shopping malls in Dubai every month. The group rents out stalls to members so they can sell handcrafted items made from materials sourced within the country.

Tapping potential

"Many members have day jobs; they are doctors, accountants - anything. But as long as their products are self-made and handmade locally, they can register with us," said ARTE co-founder Miriam Walsh.

"Some go from being shy housewives to taking the leap as an artist. We now get people making everything from olive oil soaps to pottery. Hobbies have turned into professions."

Walsh, a felt-maker, and Paul Townsend, a silversmith, started the group five years ago with just 10 people. It now has around 1,000 registrations and its market fairs last December drew about 20,000 visitors, she said.

"We were fed up with the markets in 2005. Almost all of the art was imported from China. It was faceless and unorganised," said Townsend. "Now people can come to our fairs and support local arts and crafts, give talented people here a chance. It's a lot more personal too; you actually talk to the artist. ‘How did you make this; can you make it like this for me?' And the income stays in the country," he added.

From Dh5 to Dh500, the items range as much in price as they do in variety. There is always something different for shoppers at every fair, especially since many products "spin off" each other, Walsh said.

"The markets lead to friendships, collaborations and overlaps. You could have some knowledge and exchange it for some other expertise. We've done felt with jewellery, for example," the British mum said.

Besides creative residents, ARTE also makes space for aid groups and students to promote their work. "We provide the stalls at cost to keep expenses down. We also do the marketing and advertising for free. They [charities] decide how best to use the money [from sales]," Townsend added.

Also, the recent spell of tough economic conditions saw more stall bookings from amateur artists. "Many families had two breadwinners. Now they only have one. This is a licensed platform for people to trade as well," Walsh pointed out.

 MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Indulge your mum with special Mother's Day treats at the upcoming ARTE Market events (see details below). Home-made cookies, beauty treatments and handmade jewellery are among a whole lot of goodies that will be available here. Your mum can try her hand at making her own piece of jewellery with beads of her choice or a matching jewellery set. And if jewellery making is not her cup of tea, then introduce her to the ARTE slow food station where she can sample delectable cookies, pickles, jams, cakes, cupcakes and fudge. She can even indulge in manicure and pedicure treatments or shop for felt scarves, bags, lace tablecloths, handpainted shoes, dresses and seasonal accessories.