GET GIFTIN'

The Tactile Arts Christmas Makers Market returns to the air-conditioned Territory Netball Stadium, offering a weekend’s worth of gift ideas from local crafts folk. designed, produced, and created by NT artists.

WORDS TIERNEY WHITE 

THE TIME TO get on top of the Christmas pressie list has arrived, but if you’re stumped as to what to gift loved ones this Christmas, may we gently suggest you consider something locally made? 

The Tactile Arts Christmas Makers Market is a hit this time of year, with a record-breaking 165 stalls on hand, chockers with goodies crafted by local artisans across a wide range of categories such as art, jewellery, clothing, ceramics, toys, and more. 

Aneka Truman, Tactile Arts General Manager, says the benefits are plentiful when it comes to A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant 2024 supporting our hardworking creatives. 

“Shopping at an event like this supports local talented and independent businesses, but also adds a personal, meaningful touch to holiday gifting,” she says. 

“Supporting local artists is important for the Territory economy, providing an income for small businesses. In 2024, we estimated that combined stallholder revenue across the three Tactile Arts Makers Markets was over one-million dollars.”

The Christmas Makers Market is one of three annual Makers Markets – formerly Craft Fairs – rolled out by the not-for-profit Tactile Arts, created to give local creatives an outlet for exposure and selling their goods. Plus, buyers get to take something home that’s unique and made with care. It’s good vibes all ‘round at this two-day gathering. 

“The Christmas Makers Market is a huge opportunity for a variety of small creative businesses to market and sell their unique products to the public. As a consumer, it's not often that we have the opportunity to choose from so many handmade products – items,” Truman says. 

This year’s Market includes a swag of food stalls, including cupcakes and popcorn, a stall from Waralungku Arts in Borroloola, plus kids’ activities and live music from local muso Lilla Wellington on both days. Truman says the venue provides both great accessibility and comfort for Christmas shoppers. 

“This has been a great venue for the Christmas Makers Market, providing an indoor shopping experience with air-con, 150 underground parking spots, and elevator access.” 

Entry’s by gold coin donation, via cash or card, so make tracks to the Christmas Makers Market and get giftin’ for your loved ones – or a perhaps a sneaky little something for yourself!

Tactile Arts Christmas Makers Market 
WHEN SAT 8 & SUN 9 NOV | 9AM-4PM 
AT TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM 
COST GOLD COIN DONATION 
INFO tactilearts.org.au 

_{Image: The Tactile Arts Christmas Makers Market 2024. Photo: Charlie Bliss}