Social Enterprise Supporting Zimbabwean Artisans Set to Launch First Pop-up Shop at Spectrum Now Arts Festival

Social Enterprise Supporting Zimbabwean Artisans Set to Launch First Pop-up Shop at Spectrum Now Arts Festival

Sydney, Australia (10 March, 2015) - One of Australia's newest social enterprise, Woven Trail, is set to launch its first pop-up shop at the new arts festival hosted by The Sydney Morning Herald,  Spectrum Now presented by ANZ.

The Woven Trail sells hand-crafted pieces from Zimbabwe and features an exclusive collection from block print and batik print textiles, to up-cycled wire and natural fibre pieces of artwork. Their products are both practical and beautiful, and the uniqueness of the designs makes them great gift ideas as well as excellent conversation pieces.

The enterprise was founded by Julie Lewsey- a Zimbabwean-born industrial designer and Mechatronics Engineer, Tim Lewsey.  When asked what inspired them to launch Woven Trail, Julie said: "With the decline of tourism in Zimbabwe and a number of economic barriers, skilled artisans were having to turn to other ways of making income, such as selling cheap plastic toys. I could not stand by and watch the decline and disappearance of many of these crafting skills as they are part of Zimbabwe's heritage."

She further added, "There are so many skilled Zimbabwean artisans who, due to the economic situation leading to a decline in tourism, are not receiving the exposure and income they deserve. The Woven Trail was started to help them better access markets overseas. I also wanted to use my creative background and connection to Australia to help these artisans move beyond their dependency on ad hoc purchases from tourists to benefiting from regular income from a broader market overseas."

Having worked in both continents, Julie is committed to selling products that look good in a contemporary western home but still have an African feel. She is guided by the enterprise's mission to make craft that is relevant and also aesthetically appealing.

Woven Trail works with highly skilled artisans, who are motivated to grow their micro- business and also keen to work on new pieces. Apart from the financial benefits of collaborating with Woven Trail, artisans learn important skills such as up-scaling to wholesale quantities and exporting, which further equip them to serve other overseas markets. As their business grows they are better able to support their families and local community.

The pop up shop will be hosted at Gaffa Gallery located at 281 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD NSW and will run from for two weeks from March 11 to March 29, 2015.  The Spectrum Now festival will feature a range of exhibitors, gigs, talks, performances and special events, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of music, books, film, dance and contemporary art design.  Julie is also set to make a presentation at the Gaffa Gallery, where she will be providing further insight into the work she does for Woven Trail.

For further information about the Woven Trail, visit: http://www.thewoventrail.com/. To view the full program guide for Spectrum Now, visit:http://spectrumnow.com.au/.