News

3/7/2013 - Innovation Meets History with Launch of CreateHereNow CT New Businesses at the Bridgeport Arcade

The historic Bridgeport Arcade will become a creative hub this April when up to six entrepreneurs open their spaces in Downtown Bridgeport in conjunction with CreateHereNow Connecticut program.

CONTACT: Eve Liptak
PHONE: (203) 690-1006
EMAIL: info@createherenow.org

Innovation Meets History with Launch of CreateHereNow CT New Businesses at the Bridgeport Arcade

The historic Bridgeport Arcade will become a creative hub this April when up to six entrepreneurs open their spaces in Downtown Bridgeport in conjunction with CreateHereNow Connecticut program.

Bridgeport, CT, March 6, 2013 – Space reuse pilot program, CreateHereNow Bridgeport is excited to announce it will be launching its first new businesses in the Bridgeport Arcade located on Main Street in Downtown Bridgeport this April.

Already home to the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council and World Artist Network, up to six entrepreneurs will open their innovative businesses within the historic site, transforming the retail space into a creative collective. CreateHereNow Bridgeport is collaborating with POKO Partners LLC on the project.

Potential businesses that will open in the space include a screenprinting design studio, weaving school, graphic design/technology classes, and current CreateHereNow onsite business Made in Bridgeport. Many locations will offer workshops and events in addition to a retail element.

“We’re thrilled to be utilizing the Bridgeport Arcade as our first site for CreateHereNow Bridgeport businesses,” said Project Manager Eve Liptak. “It’s a Bridgeport gem with a rich history and we’re eager to form a creative hub within this majestic location”.

CreateHereNow businesses will also join Ripka’s Bull’s Head Market, which is currently under development within the Arcade. CreateHereNow Bridgeport businesses are scheduled for a shared launch date paired with a “Grand Opening” event in early spring.

“Bridgeport’s artists and small business owners have been one of the driving forces of the success of our downtown neighborhood,” said Mayor Finch. “Thanks to the efforts of the CreateHereNow program, the historic Arcade building will be alive with creative businesses and entrepreneurs.”

The CreateHereNow headquarters is also active with unique workshops presented by Made In Bridgeport and related partners. After years of vending opportunities at craft fairs, festivals and a recent New Haven pop-up shop, Made In Bridgeport’s artist and educator Robin Gilmore opened her establishment at the CreateHereNow office earlier this month. Her merchandise includes upcycled industrial, vintage and urban jewelry/artifacts. Our full calendar of workshops is listed below.

Establishing these businesses is the next phase in the CreateHereNow pilot program following the “New Year/New Business” launch event on February 7.

The information session also detailed how the CreateHereNow Connecticut Program will build upon the energy of related creative placemaking initiatives such as City Canvases Bridgeport and Project Storefronts New Haven.
Pre-Applications are still being accepted for the program and are available online at www.createherenow.org. For more information and program updates please visit us online at www.createherenow.org and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/createherenowbpt.

March Workshop Calendar

March 2, 1-4pm: Made In Bridgeport’s Altars & Shrines-A 2 part Assemblage Workshop
March 9, 1-4pm: Made In Bridgeport’s Altars & Shrines-A 2 part Assemblage Workshop
March 8, 12pm: Brown Bag/ Build A Better Bridgeport with Gerald Moore
March 14, 5:30-7:30pm: Instagram Basics with Michelle Bealieu
March 22, 5-7pm: Chess for Beginners with Gerald Moore
March 26, 11-1pm: Etsy Basics Workshop with Jean St. Jean

For full details, fees, and registration information visit: http://madeinbridgeport.weebly.com

For more information on this topic, or to schedule and interview with Eve Liptak, please contact #(203) 690-1006 or email info@creatherenow.org

About CreateHereNow

CreateHereNow Connecticut is a space reuse pilot program launching in Bridgeport, CT. The primary goal of this project is to activate vacant locations by transforming them into innovative small businesses in the Downtown area. The CreateHereNow Connecitcut program will generate sustainable placemaking initiatives in 20 municipalities throughout CT. Bridgeport is the home of our first pilot program focusing on space reuse and small business development, turning vacant into vibrant.

CreateHereNow Bridgeport is collaboration between the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), The Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) and The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC).