The Sudbury Artisans Collective has a free place to stay for the next year, with the shop winning a prize package valued at more than $45,000, including a year’s rent in downtown Sudbury.
They’re the recipients of Downtown Sudbury’s Win This Space Contest, which was presented in partnership with the Regional Business Centre and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation.
The Sudbury Artisans Collective was founded by Kelly Hanninen and Jessica Lamirande, and is a group of local artists and makers who have come together to create a space for anyone seeking a locally made item or one-of-a-kind gift. They also host workshops and events.
"We are so excited to have won this contest," Hanninen said in a media release.
"We are very excited to be part of downtown’s revitalization and give artisans from across Greater Sudbury a venue where they can showcase their work. We can't wait to share our passion for art with the community and be part of the downtown's growth."
"This is a great opportunity for us to grow our business and help other local artists," Lamirande said. "We believe that the Sudbury Artisans Collective will be a valuable addition to the downtown community."
The Win This Space Contest was created to encourage entrepreneurship and revitalize downtown Sudbury, and was open to all businesses that were not already operating in the downtown core.
"The Sudbury Artisans Collective embodies the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that the GSDC is proud to support through initiatives like the Win This Space Contest," Greater Sudbury Development Corporation chair Jeff Portelance said in a media release.
"This initiative is assisting in revitalizing our downtown core and celebrates the incredible talent of our local artists. We’re excited for the space to open and for the success that the Collective will receive."