Kaleidoscope: Celebrating and Elevating Coffs Coast Creatives

A new collaborative retail experience is coming to Coffs Harbour. Kaleidoscope will showcase an ever-changing line up of local artists, makers and designers within a dedicated space at Coffs Central. The Gowings and Coffs Central initiative is designed to engage and empower artisans and their businesses in a one-of-a-kind retail setting. Coastbeat met Kaleidoscope’s new manager, artist Katy Dee AKA Shiztastic.

High Exposure for Small Business

“Selling art is something I’m really passionate about and as a creative myself, having a shop has always been an end-goal dream,” says Katy Dee, artist and manager of Coffs Central’s Kaleidoscope. “I love the idea of bringing local designers to new audiences and joining those dots.” 

Launching before Christmas, Kaleidoscope will offer an innovative retail experience that elevates the community’s best makers. It gives artisans a chance to join a supportive retail setting and have their small business promoted in a leading shopping centre with high exposure. 

“I’m originally from Sydney and there are opportunities like this there, but they can be really expensive and hard to access,” Katy explains. “Kaleidoscope will be a great, affordable stepping-stone into the retail environment.”

Celebrating Creativity

Events and Marketing Co-Ordinator Lucy Sittczenko says Coffs Central is more than just a shopping centre. Staging events, workshops, gigs, exhibitions and weekly handmade markets, Coffs Central brings the community together to celebrate creativity. 

“Kaleidoscope will be an extension of those elements and continue to showcase the incredible talent and skill we have here on the Coffs Coast,” Lucy explains. “Makers can focus on what they do best – creating their beautiful, original products – and have the backing of Gowings, a company with more than 150 years of retail experience.”

Sustainability and Smiles

With sustainability in mind, Kaleidoscope aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Excess transportation will be avoided, plastic will be eliminated, and packaging will be reusable and recyclable. 

As the face of Kaleidoscope, Katy says she’s honoured and excited to build it from the ground up. 

“I can’t wait to see what it turns into and how the community responds,” she says. “Smiles all ‘round!”

Are you interested in renting a space at Kaleidoscope? Contact [email protected]

Coastbeat Media is the official media partner for Coffs Central and Kaleidoscope.