Market @TheSheds
Dear Pretoria fan, foodie, art, architecture, design lover, proudly South African, explorer and Capital Collective supporter
Our capital city is getting into her groove. Wonderful things and changes are happening all over the city, creating more reasons why Pretoria was voted the most livable city in South Africa. One of these days we will have a wonderful public transport system in place,fabulous eateries and shops are popping up all over the place and we are seeing more and more major attractions choosing the capital to host crowd-pulling events.
Various initiatives are taking shape and a wide variety of role-players and companies are coming to the party to show their support and commitment to make the city livable, resilient and inclusive- as per the vision of the City of Tshwane.
One of these are the Capital Collective initiative, focused on starting projects and creating connections between different stakeholders who are, or want to be part of the inner city rejuvenation. The initiative creates a space where ideas and initiatives can be shared and explored, not only to raise interest and awareness, but also to find possible avenues for collaboration or support, and eventually tangible outcomes.
“Essentially we are creating a united, non-political force of people and organisations who want to leverage the influence, knowledge, skills, resources and passion of people in Tshwane to make the city’s revival a reality”, says Mareli Wassenaar, the Programme Director.
As its first major project, Capital Collective will be hosting Pretoria’s own, its kind inner city art, food, music and design market – Market@theSheds as a pop up market popping up throughout the CBD, the next market being hosted at the Old Fire Station.
This fully inclusive market will be catering to a wide variety of interests group in Tshwane and the market will have it’s own urban flavour, unique to the capital and its colourful residents.
This is a collective effort by various groups and individuals, including the Capital Arts Revolution, Capital Urban Market, City of Tshwane, the Department of Arts and Culture, Capital Craft Beer, Pretoria Street Photography, City Property Administration, SAB, Cool Capital and the Kerk Street CID.
What are some of the projects the Capital Collective is also pushing for?
Other projects that are envisioned for the city, that will take a concerted effort by the private and public sector, include walking and cycling routes, urban farming programs, an inner city newspaper, urban art projects, cleaning and safety programs, leadership and motivational talks, training and development opportunities, a Luv Ur Hood campaign and a whole lot more.
“We will offer an African urban experience where some of the finest art, music, food and design that Pretoria has to offer will be showcased” says Mareli Wassenaar, Programme Director of Capital Collective.
Bi-monthly Open-Mic sessions providing a face-to-face, sharing and networking platform for stakeholders to present, learn more and explore opportunities in the city. Presentations are varied and attendees include individuals from different interest groups in the city. Anybody who wants to contribute applies for a 10 minute slot on the agenda.
A communications and marketing forum Linked-In group with frequent networking events. This group is focused on the brand of the city, especially looking at the role of communicators, marketers and PR specialists, from all sectors, in influencing perceptions on an international and local level.
The Capital Collective web and Facebook site provide on-line platforms to share and get news on city enhancing ideas, projects, plans, successes and events. See more and become involved at www.capitalcollective.co.za