Businesses in the CBD’s East City precinct have launched a family friendly vintage outdoor market that promotes conscious consumerism.
The brainchild of Paul Rubin, owner of Nude Foods, Janette de Villiers, co-owner of The Electric and local businessman, Guy Wood from The Firm, the East City Vintage Market specialises in plant-based food, vintage clothing and entertainment.
The market, which comprises local traders and businesses, takes place near the corner of Harrington and Constitution streets on the first Saturday of the month from 09h00 to 15h00. It is geared specifically for families, something the organisers believe is unique to this kind of market.
CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM
Gabriela Fraser, manager of The Electric, who has been involved with the project from the start, says the vision behind it is “upcycling and conscious consumerism”.
“Everyone involved in this initiative cares about the planet. It’s also about businesses in the area coming together to bring the street to life in a friendly and diverse way and connecting the community. We’re really encouraging people to walk and see the area as there’s a story on every corner and it’s been amazing to see people at the market lingering until the afternoon,” says Gabriela.
She adds that while growing a market takes time, they’re excited about the future and are looking at introducing fun and practical things to do. “We want to encourage families to frequent the event and introduce workshops and activities to keep children entertained and busy in a safe and controlled environment.”
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY
Giving back and empowering the community is also an important aspect of the East City Vintage Market. And that is why organisers have also incorporated an organisation such as The Hope Exchange – which helps people living on the street cope with their daily challenges – as one of the stallholders. The market also works with members of the homeless community and helps to give back to The Service Dining Rooms, which serves meals daily to the less fortunate. (Note: At the time of publishing The Service Dining Rooms had closed its doors due to the coronavirus threat.)
“We care about the social impact in the East City and are also working with known homeless people in the area. We want to unify the community and not separate it; what you see here is truly a beautiful snapshot of South Africa.
“In addition, the East City is an area of great political and historical significance. So, in addition to social responsibility, we want to acknowledge and respect the history of District Six. By honouring the heritage, we want to work closely with the District Six Museum and the Boys Hostel on Commercial Street to remind patrons, and especially children, through walks, talks and exhibitions about the history of the area,” says Gabriela.
A WORK IN PROGRESS
In a 2018 interview with City Views, Steven Harris, founder of The Bank and a key player in the evolution of the East City, said what makes the precinct special is “the four Cs”: community, coffee, co-working and collaboration.
“I believe the East City is a space that links people and is connected to other areas; it’s inclusive and there’s diversity … Overall, there are pockets of positivity, a healthy ecosystem and it’s more than just profit. The foundations for the area to blossom, even more, are there – it’s always a work in progress,” he said.
With initiatives such as the East City Vintage Market, Steven’s assessment of the area continues to be validated and there’s no doubt that as the market grows in stature, it’ll further enhance the area as well.
For more information on the next gathering, in the light of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, click on this link: East City Market
IMAGES: Laura McCullagh