The Finders Keepers Market Is Coming To Melbourne And We Want All The Things

Do you happen to fancy any (or all) of the following: caffeine, cookies, crafts, cocktails? And how do you feel about sitting for a super-cute three-minute portrait by Eleonora Arosio? Keen? Then you’d better get yourself to The Finders Keepers Autumn Winter Markets, which will be bringing all of life’s pleasures to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne, from July 12 to 14. 

If you’ve ever been to The Finders Keepers, either in Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll know what to expect: sitting somewhere between a makers’ market and a festival, the clever FK organisers dial up the revelry with DJs, top eats, natural wines and craft brews (and if that’s not your jam, that’s ok! Sunday’s low-sensory hour from 9-10am offers perusing without the party vibes). 

There are activities for little makers, too, including sensory play with Mikaela Egan, maker of Ochre Dough, non-toxic playdough infused with sweet-smelling lemon myrtle, quandong powder and strawberry gum. Mikaela is one of 50 new stallholders at the Melbourne market and, as a proud Muthi Muthi/Gunditjmara woman, she’s part of a growing mix of First Nations makers who are selling their wares at Finders Keepers.  

Fancy a little window shopping? Here are three more Indigenous-owned businesses that might just have you parting with your hard-earned market moolah… 

above KENITA LEE

LURUK-IN

Based in Gunaikurnai Country (Gippsland, Victoria), Aimee McCartney brings a contemporary (and very bright) eye to the art of her ancestors. Inspired by her Taungurung, Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba and Boon Wurrung heritage, Aimee’s artworks, homewares and accessories are full of meaningful details (as is her business name, which means “Your Sister” in Taungurung, a nod to her upbringing as the eldest of nine children). Of her work, Aimee says: “I hope to continue the sacred tradition of storytelling through art and to inspire people to connect and learn about First Nations’ culture, history, stories and language.”

WULKURAKA DESIGNS

Expect smiles all around when you have a pair of Ailsa Walsh’s Spirit Flyer sugar gliders hanging from your lobes. Crafted from cherry wood and resin, this cheeky duo is part of a gorgeous range of earrings that take their cue from Ailsa’s Lardil, Kullilli and Yuggera heritage. Many have special meanings, like the platypus pair, which represents a gentle spirit and friendship. The perfect gift for a BFF, we think.

KENITA.LEE

If you know a strong woman (or happen to be one), then we suggest you take a look at Kenita-Lee McCartney’s “Matriarch” collection. White dots gathered throughout the paintings symbolise women who’ve led the way and who continue to guide us today. A Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri, Wotjiboluk, Nari Nari and Boon Wurrung woman, Kenita-Lee draws on her diverse lineage and life’s many seasons for her work, which also includes decals, prints and corporate collabs. 

THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE FINDERS KEEPERS. MELBOURNE’S AUTUMN WINTER 2024 MARKET RUNS FROM 12 TO 14 JULY AT THE ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING AT CARLTON GARDENS. SINGLE-DAY TICKETS ARE $6 (PLUS BOOKING FEE); ENTRY IS FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 13.