Canberra’s market scene is increasingly vibrant, thanks to some local entrepreneurs with big ideas.

From the well-established Handmade Markets, to new kid on the block, Hustle & Scout, there’s so much on offer for shoppers looking for original pieces made by Australian designers.

Now in its fourth year, the Undercurrent Design Market, has become a must-do on the Canberra markets’ calendar, and this year will showcase an expanded array of original, fresh and contemporary gifts and objects – from ceramics to jewellery, textiles to design co-ops.

Coming up next week, the markets kick off at the iconic National Portrait Gallery on the evening of Friday 29 November, with a night market featuring live music (and drinks!) to held lift your spirits. They continue the next day, offering a chilled shopping experience from 10am to 4pm.

Richard Baz, owner of the Portrait Gallery Store and founder of Undercurrent is passionate about supporting Australian designers and allowing them to showcase their array of unique and stylish designs here in Canberra.

“Undercurrent celebrates Australian designer and makers – we wanted to make the market a venue for like minded makers and shoppers to come together to meet, greet and buy,” says Richard.

The markets have grown every year, and this year’s markets are almost double the size of the original.

“We started with 28 stall holders and are close to 60. Firstly we wanted to fill the function rooms, now we have spilled out to the foyer and had to turn down about 70 applicants. We now have fashion from Melbourne and Sydney, ceramics artists and weavers, as well as jewellers, glass artists and printmakers,” he says.

Local creatives are also well represented, with: Megan Jackson, Alison Munro, Sawpitstudios, Samorn Sanixay, PurePod, Philip Agius,  Melanie Olde, Stuart the Cat Designs, Tango & James, So Soap, Artforme Letterpress Studio, Carole Griffiths, Dimity Kidston, Harriet Curtis – Schwarzrock, Jodie Cunningham, Annette Blair,  Alison Jackson and Fran Romano all selling their wares at Undercurrent. It’s a great opportunity to support Canberra’s creative industry, as well as pick up something unique for Christmas (or for yourself!)

So this weekend, get into the markets scene and embrace individual, local and beautiful at Undercurrent – I’ll see you there!

the essentials

What: Undercurrent Design Market
When: 5pm til 8pm on Friday 29 November and 10am to 4pm, Saturday 30 November:
Where: National Portrait Gallery
Web: Portrait Gallery Store