Meredith Ireland

Thanks for stopping by!
I am so inspired by Tasmania, its natural beauty and the open, kind and talented people who call it home.
I believe that Northern Tasmania's art and culture are growing at a steady pace and this venture is designed to support, encourage and nurture the change that I see.
I see the locals wanting more involvement, more events and more growth here in the North of the State.
This has inspired me to create a workshop space and store in the beautiful and burgeoning arts community of Longford.
This space will cater for new and upcoming designers, artists and makers of a high quality, especially small scale and bespoke designs. The space will also accommodate my own weaving workshops as well as being open for other artists and creatives to share their knowledge.

Please read on or contact me ([email protected]) for more information, and I thank you so kindly for your time, attention and support of my project.

A Little Bit About Me
I am Meredith, a textile designer living in Longford in beautiful Northern Tasmania. I am certainly not a one woman band. I have had so much support from day one from my partner, family and friends and have been blown away by the support of the arts community over the past few years. This support has given me the motivation and desire to be actively involved in the arts in Northern Tasmania.



The Store
Old Franklin Store is designed as a platform offering new artists, designers and makers from the North of Tasmania the opportunity to display and sell their work. I would like to make available what so many people around Australia have offered me since I began marketing my hand-woven goods. Support, encouragement and an avenue to display the work of the many talented people this State has to offer. The suppliers will be made up almost entirely of Tasmanian makers with a focus of those from North of the State.



Workshop Space
Old Franklin store will also play host to a workshop space for creatives to share their skills. After running a very successful series of workshops earlier in 2015 I have realised the communities thirst for knowledge . They want to learn and grow and I believe this needs to be encouraged.
The space will be available for workshops of up to eight people in a friendly, welcoming environment including local catering from one of Longford's many wonderful cafes.



Growth in Tasmania
I have seen so much growth in Tasmania since my family moved here 20 years ago. There is still so much opportunity and this needs to be embraced, especially in the North of the state. When I was younger I wanted to move away to find opportunity, now that I can see so much potential I have become passionate about creating and growing opportunity here where it is needed. Small business can be hard in Tasmania, especially in the winter months, but I can see people want to embrace it. I believe that a holistic approach to small business will allow Old Franklin Store and Workshop space to thrive.

Thanks to all of the other makers in Australia and the world I was able to take my love of making from an idea to reality. I have been blown away by how much support I have and how many people are excited and willing to nurture success.



Study and Skills Background
I completed a Diploma of Fine Art and Design at the University of Tasmania in 2004 and have since gone on to study marketing and finance. My desire to excel in my major of Textiles is persistent and takes up much of my time planning, organising and dreaming. Coming from a family of creatives has given me this desire to always learn and grow.

Get in Contact!

While I am confident that Old Franklin Store will be self sufficient, It does require some start up assistance, this is where you come in! In exchange for your support I am offering up some beautiful hand-woven goods, Workshop tickets or private classes among other things and the fuzzy feel goods of knowing you have helped support and encourage not only me but many young and emerging makers in Tasmania and the arts community in general.

The following is a breakdown of how your generosity will be used:

$1,200 towards marketing materials and advertising and signage
$1,350 for shop fittings and layout
$225 for software and administration
$900 for the first months rent and utilities connection fees
$375 insurance costs to get started
$450 towards supplies to celebrate the opening event of Old Franklin Store & Workshop Space

I have applied for Crowbar - An Arts Tasmania initiative which, if successful, will provide me with the additional funding needed to support my venture.

The largest challenge I face is running a small business in Tasmania in winter and making sure I can achieve the foot traffic necessary for a brick and mortar business. I honestly believe that with your help and support, and a holistic approach to the business including workshops, online, event and community involvement Old Franklin Store and Workshop Space will thrive.