We’re here to champion creatives.
We believe the future for Artists, Designers and Makers is blossoming and we want to see them thrive.
Imagine a world where artisan businesses took centre stage over the likes of Amazon.
What if people chose to value quality, authenticity and humanity over price and convenience?
In the midst of the digital revolution and a world of automation and mass production there is a growing appreciation for artisan businesses. Handmade products and hands-on experiences offer people something unique. Artfully crafted with a human touch.
There are an estimated 11,620 craft businesses in the UK. 88% of these are sole traders.
Our Values
Quality
Artful Collective represents the very best in art and craft made locally. Our curated approach allows artists the space to stand out and makes it easy for people to find handmade products and experiences of the highest standard.
Opportunity
Our raison d'être is to seek out and provide opportunities for artisans to exhibit, sell , teach, learn, inspire and be inspired! We have the privilege of working with both emerging and established creatives and sharing in their creative business journey.
Collaboration
We love to collaborate, whether that means combining forces to work on a joint project, sharing skills or resources, or mutual promotion. Our creative community and networking events provide an opportunity for artists to connect and collaborate.
Discovery
We aspire to upskill, try new things, read more, listen more and share what we gain along the way. Discovery also plays out through our activities , from unearthing creativity through workshops to helping people discover new artists and makers.
Authenticity
We appreciate the handmade. The personal touch. Storytelling. Mistakes. Honesty. Authenticity also applies to the way we work with our clients and community - with honesty, integrity and professionalism.
Our Story
Artful Collective launched in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. We had already run a couple of pop up events and workshops prior to this, beginning with with our first pop up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire. Our first event was held in response to a call from local artists for a new platform to sell their work, following the closure of Rum’s Eg Gallery in Romsey.
Through organising these events we started to develop our community of regional artists and makers. During the pandemic we adapted and developed our model to continue supporting them, launching a charity art competition, online gift directory and our artist membership. In September 2020 we became a Community Interest Company. Our mission is to champion & enable professional artists and makers in our region to thrive.
We now continue to provide opportunities for artists in our community to exhibit, sell and teach. We offer professional development opportunities and opportunities to share resources and skills. We’re establishing connections with schools, businesses and other organisations who want to connect with artists.
We are primarily based in the UK counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset.
Meet the Team
Rebecca Maddox
Managing Director
Rebecca is a creative synthesist, bringing people and ideas together to make things happen! With a background in design, events and business management she now combines her broad ranging experience to support creatives to make a living from their craft. Community is central to her values and she loves to create opportunities for collaboration and peer support. Although she is often found at the business end of the creative industry, Rebecca is a natural initiator and creative ideas are never far away. Rebecca lives near Salisbury with her family and manages Artful Collective alongside work as a freelance project manager and small business mentor.
Elizabeth Hammond
Director
Elizabeth is a Visual Artist who uses drawing as her primary practice to investigate her incongruous ideas about animals and domestic objects. Through these compositions, a provoking and unusual narrative is created for the viewer. She completed her MA in Visual Art at Curtin University at the end of 2008 and has exhibited internationally. An instinctive educator Elizabeth loves teaching all ages and is passionate about providing creative opportunities for all.
Georgina Ettridge
Director
Georgina Ettridge is an award winning jeweller who is particularly known for her leaf designs inspired by the New Forest. After establishing her business in 1999 having graduated with a BA (hons) degree in Three Dimension Design she has gone on to supply galleries, high street retailers and now mainly creates bespoke items of jewellery.