Why Brisbane IS A Creative Hub If You Know Where To Look

Discovering places you didn't know you didn't know were there....

Although many people feel that Brisbane doesn't have as much to offer from an artistic or cultural perspective as Melbourne or Sydney, there really is quite a lot to see and do if you know where to look.

I think that Brisbane is, slowly but surely, becoming more of a creative hub for the arts. Growing up, I couldn't wait to go overseas and leave Brisbane behind. Europe seemed far more cultured, South America was more exotic, and anything was better than the backwater they call Brisbane. But now, every time I come back from a trip, I'm glad to come back to Brisbane, and I'm proud of this place which is no longer just a big town. I have to admit, it has taken me a while to appreciate the city I've lived in for 22 of my 26 years, but better late than never right?

From an artist's perspective, I'd say it's better to be a big creative fish in a small pond than a small creative fish drowning in a sea of competition. From a buyer's perspective, I like the idea of discovering new things, and not knowing what I'll find around the corner. The element of surprise so to speak.

Here are a few things I was surprised to discover about Brisbane recently:

The Woolloongabba Antique Centre

(and all the surrounding antique stores in the area) – Absolute heaven for the vintage/antiques lover, full of individual shop fronts with unusual vintage and antique furniture, clothes, accessories, plus a cafe for when you run out of steam. My best buy from here are two rustic suitcases that I use as display for my market stall.

http://www.woolloongabbaantiquecentre.com/

The Northey Street Markets

A totally organic fruit and veggie market which also includes a community garden and nursery off to the side. I had been wanting to go here for ages and finally bit the bullet a few weeks ago. I can't believe it is literally right next to the RBH (Royal Brisbane Hospital). You wouldn't know it was there if you, well, didn't know it was there. I bought some cute seedlings from the nursery, including cucumber, eggplant, tomato and lettuce. My boyfriend and I planted them in some styrofoam boxes and pretty soon we'll be able to harvest our own crop! If the caterpillars don't get to them first that is.

http://www.northeystreetcityfarm.org.au/ 

Creative Sparks Grants

Did you know there are some really awesome grants you can apply for if you're a creative person wanting to take your skills to the next level? The Creative Sparks Program enables you to develop your art practice or implement a creative project and is run by the BCC and QLD Government. One of my friends successfully applied for this program back in 2009, and she is now running the annual Music Video Mash Up Competition in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-support/grants-awards/creative-sparks-program/index.htm 

The Chandler Markets

This is an AMAZINGly huge market with a great selection of both useful and totally impractical/never-going-to-use-but-want-and-need-so-much kind of things. There's a retired carpenter there who sells curious trinkets and restored furniture. I bought some awesome old pocket watches from him for $5.00 each! He is open to haggling if you ask nicely : ) 

http://maps.google.com.au/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=chandler+markets&fb=1&gl=au&hq=chandler+markets&hnear=0x6b91579ad51ba8db:0x302a35af3deaf30,Brisbane,+Queensland&cid=14196654114687317993 

So these are some of the places I was surprised to discover about Brisbane. What I have really grown to appreciate about Brisbane is that the city is evolving and efforts are being made to harness the creative potential of its inhabitants. The added bonus for us who live here is that there are tiny pockets of creativity popping up all the time just waiting to be discovered, and not all the creative gems have been ransacked by eager tourists. I find it really exciting knowing that I can go for a wander through Woolloongabba or West End, or a myriad of other places, and find something that I didn't know I didn't know was there.

So if you've now discovered something you didn't know you didn't know was there, get out there and get discovering! All you need is a desire for the creative and a good sense of direction.