£250 to develop their response to the platform, in addition to a year’s membership of Creative Entrepreneurs. ” By taking it outside of the university environment, and setting up in a central London gallery, the CEC provided the perfect showcase to an audience of both local residents and commercial buyers for the week. This gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment and re-enforced their focus to help them outside of the higher educational sphere. The POP UP’s tenure at York Street proved to be a sight for tired eyes and a feast for the senses in the lead up to Christmas. Visitors to the shop were greeted by work from entrepreneurs including:
There were a range of current and new collections spanning the walls of the gallery. And for some, it was the first time they had formally exhibited. As Sarah Elliott noted: “The Westminster Pop Up shop was an amazing opportunity for me to share and promote my brand to a more sophisticated audience, as well as learn the process behind creating an event like this. Without the funding and workshops provided, I wouldn’t have been able to take part in such an experience, which I am very grateful for.” Manimekala Fuller echoed her thoughts when she said: “As a recent graduate establishing my own fashion brand, breaking into the industry is really daunting and having the university’s support is invaluable. The Westminster Pop Up
was an exciting opportunity to showcase and sell my brand, in a beautiful location alongside fellow young artists and designers.” All purchases made during the week went directly to the exhibiting emerging creative entrepreneurs to support the growth of their craft and businesses. And following the success of this year’s inaugural POP UP, the CEC is already looking to host it again in 2019. As the CEC grows and establishes itself in the university, the aim is to come back with an even bigger and broader range of impressive entrepreneurs. For further details about the entrepreneurs involved in the Westminster POP UP 2018, visit https://www.westminsterpopupproject.info/ Shiela Birungi, manager of the Creative Enterprise Centre can be contacted at s.birungi@westminster.ac.uk
• Sarah Elliott (Illustration) • Charlie Handley (Photography) • Chloe Hughes (Photography) • Manimekala Fuller (Fashion) • Gea Nicola (Fashion) • Manon Planche (Fashion) • Yohana Puleva (Mixed Media) • Muzafar Tufail (Men’s Swimwear) January/February 2019
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