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Calling all makers! NYC-based home retailer abc carpet & home is hosting their first ever open call for new designers, makers, and artisans. On Saturday, May 20, from 11am to 2:30pm, the home goods retailer’s buying team and senior director of merchandise & design will be conducting an open call at WantedDesign in Brooklyn. Each maker will have five minutes to pitch their product with a chance for a callback, taking place on June 9th. We caught up with the team at abc to get the scoop on the exciting news.
What inspired this open call?
We are rooted by a mission to use commerce as a tool for positive change in the world. We have also always welcomed submissions via our website and in honor of Wanted and design week, we thought it would be a great time to reach out to our community of makers, artisans, and designers in person. We strive to support and platform jewelry, furniture, clothing, apothecary, textile, ceramicists, glass blowers, and rug makers worldwide; to meet them face to face and seek to discover extraordinary creators is natural for us. Finding and platforming new and visionary artists has always been a part of our culture; it’s something we refer to as abcDNA and the abceye.
Will the items designed be a collaboration between the artisans and abc?
We are open to any and all possibilities. Mostly we are looking for designers and artisans with a unique point of view, who fit the abc brand, our aesthetic, and believe in using commerce as a tool for positive change in the world. We hope to raise peoples awareness of how day-to-day transacting is a deeply influential way to be the change you want to see. To change everything we need everyone, and with this in mind we are hoping to have the ability to share our vision about using beauty, wellness, and wisdom as a tool to substantively change the world.
What should I bring if I’m a designer?
We would like to see the finished product. If it’s something that can be carried and presented to us in person, great. If not, swatches, materials, samples and pictures would be great.
The casting will be held at WantedDesign Brooklyn in Industry City:
238 36th Street, Brooklyn NY 11232
Subway: D, N, R at 36th Station
Can’t make it out this year? Not to worry, Abc intends on this being the first of an annual tradition. Get more info here.