Market Collective is a local event that takes place every couple of months in Calgary. Local artists and musicians set up booths in a retired fabric store building in the cultural heart of Calgary, Kensington. Whether it is Valentine’s Day or Christmas, there are plenty of unique goods to purchase, while listening to live music from local musicians.
Two local women founded market Collective in 2008. Their mission was to promote local arts and culture, as well as empower the community and encourage positive growth of the city. Market Collective is a social entrepreneurship as it has a direct social mission and applies market base strategies to achieve a social purpose. The market brings together social entrepreneurs within Calgary, and showcases them to an audience. It is such a unique experience as you get to interact with the artist one on one. You truly get to hear their personal story as well as their vision. There are a vast amount of goods and social goods being provided. Cupcakes, jewelry and paintings are just a few.
A friend of mine, Kai Cabunec-Boettcher has a regular booth at the market. He co-founded Light & Soul, a company “committed to elevating earthly culture, human relationships and ourselves.” They are driven to create sustainability and inspire others to do so as well. From art, to clothing, to skateboards they are making a difference. Their most recent project that I got to talking with Kai about is called Leaf Ninjas. It is a movement to create urban farms in Calgary, to grow your own food and gain knowledge of what food you are putting into your body and sustaining the environment.
The amazing thing is Light & Soul is only one participant in Market Collective. Walking around the market, you can really observe change in action. Another booth that caught my attention was the LGBT, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization of Calgary who was having people tie-dye t-shirts to promote awareness. They were also open to sharing stories with people who had questions about the community. Market Collective brings together social entrepreneurs, who are all striving to create a difference in society through means of business.
Check out Light & Soul
Market Collective