by Michael McCrory, Event Network
Cultural attractions – inclusive of art museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, sites of historical significance, landmarks and gardens, as well as other unique locations – are places of discovery where we gather to feel inspired and connect with ideas, values and missions that enrich our society.
These places are held in such high esteem and are so essential to the fabric of our lives, that they have a tremendous influence on how we view our world and participate in it. They often become unofficial iconic symbols of the city where they are located.
Offering guests the opportunity to bring home something special that is truly reflective of community values and character adds another layer of connection to their visit. Sourcing through local vendors, brands, and proprietors who contribute to their communities stimulates the local economy. And, it brings unique voices and initiatives to the forefront of guest awareness.
We share how the gift shop can reflect the richness of its surroundings and demonstrate the heart of a community.
Artist collaborations in the gift shop
Artist collaborations are a wonderful way to showcase the diverse talent and creativity of an area. They also expose guests to regional influences and unique perspectives.
We continually partner with artists that reflect our ‘Common Thread’ commitments, focusing on the values of Sustainability, Conservation, DEIA, and Community that unite and uplift us as humankind. In 2022, 70% of the artists within our vendor network represent diverse backgrounds.
The following is a preview of some of the latest artistic collaborations from Event Network:
Pride collection
The limited-edition Pride collection demonstrates Event Network’s intentional investment and sourcing, ensuring that the effort not only brings awareness to the Pride movement but truly impacts the LGBTQ+ community in a positive way through the gift shop.
Carra Sykes, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, created the art. She hopes that by being unabashedly herself in life and in her craft, it encourages someone to do the same. Her Shine Bright and Take Care designs remind us all that taking care of our planet and those who live on it helps everyone thrive and shine. The pieces also represent love and support for the LGBTQ+ community and the planet we all call home.
Choke Industries, a smaller Seattle LGBTQ+-owned business, produced the entire collection.
Product collection from local artist Armando Silva at the Denver Zoo
Colorado-based Mexican artist Armando Silva painted an inspiring mural for Denver Zoo’s Stingray Cove. As Denver Zoo explains:
“The mural’s central image, a loggerhead turtle—a species native to Baja, which can support more than 100 marine species within the microcosm of its shell—is a metaphor for our own shared responsibility for wildlife protection. This vibrant visual ofrenda (offering) honors the beautiful, blended textures of our mestizaje (mixed heritage) while inviting our cultures and communities to come together in service of this beautiful planet we share.”
Working in collaboration with the artist, Event Network produced a sustainably made product collection of totes, t-shirts and souvenirs featuring the meaningful mural design as well as custom writing and drawing supplies for the artistry enthusiast.
Pacific Northwest artist Duncan Berry
Oregon-based artist Duncan Berry (pictured, top) creates delicate designs and images of nature using a Japanese folk-art technique called Gyotaku (fish rubbing). His work channels the beauty and power of the place he calls home, the United Nations Biosphere Reserve at Cascade Head on the central Oregon Coast. It shows what is possible when we care for the last great places.
We collaborated with Berry to use his original designs on a collection of sustainably-made apparel. The assortment debuted in select Aquarium stores in the Pacific Northwest Region this summer.
Kelly Malka / All for Science
Illustrator Kelly Malka is a first-generation Moroccan American living in Los Angeles. She creates bold images that empower, uplift and educate. Her designs reflect on topics such as mental health, gender equality, and socio-political issues.
Her ‘All for Science’ collection landed in select Science Center stores this summer. This encourages and reminds guests of every identity (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.) that science knows no boundaries or barriers.
Made locally
We love locally made products. The practice of sourcing locally not only helps boost young and/or small businesses but doing so also responsibly manages the carbon footprint from transportation. It can set off a chain reaction to continually uplift people.
Below are a few examples of how featuring local speciality items and partnerships that are a force for good in a gift shop reinforces an organization’s ties to the local community:
Verano Bathery is a small business in Arizona, handmaking all-natural soaps with scents inspired by Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ). Ingredients include fresh herbs, detoxifying clays, and loads of sweet fruit purees from the area.
A partnership between Lincoln Park Zoo and beelove, all-natural honey and honey-infused skincare made in the heart of North Lawndale, Chicago, is represented inside the gift shop
North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) employs women and men returning home from incarceration. It provides the support, confidence, and skills needed to re-enter the workforce. Lincoln Park Zoo is a proud partner of NLEN. It worked with the organisation to co-create a habitat for pollinators and other urban wildlife at their workforce development campus in North Lawndale.
Made in Baltimore is a community of more than 200 devoted manufacturers, retailers and artists working together to promote and create locally made products.
They represent the vibrant Baltimore community. The founders offer business networking support services including no charge or complimentary business development workshops, as well as print and media campaigns in conjunction with large institutions and universities with the resources to help the business succeed. Event Network is featuring several of these local artists’ products at the National Aquarium gift shop.
Representing extended communities of support in the gift shop
Communities come in many forms, and among the most important are communities of support. Identifying products for a gift shop whose mission is to create change for good also creates an extended community beyond geographic limits.
Every purchase of ethically and sustainably made socks from Conscious Step contributes to a meaningful cause. With a network of 18 mission-driven organizations, purchases help build housing, connect pets with loving families, clean our ocean, provide mental wellness, and so much more.
Scout Curated Wears
This thoughtful jewelry company is owned by women. It pledges to give 10% of net profits to organizations that help support and promote women. Among the communities that benefit are Black Girls Code, introducing girls of color ages 7-17 to computer science as well as Dress for Success, Safe Passage, and several other organizations dedicated to providing support for and empowering communities of women.
The end is just the beginning. In the majority of cases, Event Network’s partner organizations receive unsold merchandise as donations. This is then gifted to charitable movements and initiatives to help those in need.
When the gift shop emphasizes community, it strengthens our bonds with one another. In doing so, it also anchors your attraction as the trusted neighbor and ally we all need in life.
