PERHAPS it’s a sign of tough economic times that some shops in Frankston seem to be ‘here today, gone tomorrow’.
But unlike many optimistic business owners who hope to be around for a long time after opening their store, several new stores in central Frankston will only be open for just a few weeks or months. Thankfully, the shop proprietors have planned it that way.
Some ‘creative pop-up businesses’ have moved into empty premises in a Frankston Council backed ‘Space Innovators’ program to fill some of the unsightly vacant shopfronts scattered around Frankston.
More than 1 in ten shopfronts in Frankston CBD are currently vacant.
Council hopes leasing empty shop premises on a short-term basis will benefit all traders in the area since vacant shops can discourage shoppers from visiting central Frankston.
Artist Brett Ashby has moved in at 16 Playne St and his Uncle Arnold shop showcases his photomontage art. The 27-year-old is inviting shop visitors to contribute to an interactive art wall.
“It will be an evolving canvass and it’s interesting for people to make their mark,” he said.
Ashby describes his work style as “action energy painting”. This is certainly evident in his Uncle Arnold shop with a skateboard half-pipe installed next to the art wall. He paints his contribution to the wall artwork while skateboarding.
The artist currrently lives on the Mornington Peninsula and resided in England for two years. Ashby’s artworks have been exhibited around the globe, including London’s Bricklane Gallery.
“I also do a lot of public artworks such as a large sculpture by the sea at Bondi Beach.”
Visitors to Ashby’s shop will be able to contribute to the interactive art wall, buy artworks, prints and postcards, Uncle Arnold brand lemonade, incense and candleholders.
The pop-up shop is open Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm.
Community groups, artists, creative and home business operators should contact Frankston Council if they are interested in a short-term shopfront lease.
The space will be provided rent-free but outgoings costs must be covered. A small bond may be needed and applicants must have public liability insurance for at least $10 million.
See frankston.vic.gov.au or call council on 1300 322 322 for details.
