West End Archives - Page 19 of 25

Successful West End Start-Up Entegy Aiming to Take On the World

Entegy was borne out of a need in 2014 after founder and director Graeme Caplen-Black realised there was no viable communication platform to address the complexity of events organisation. Starting out with just nine people at its West End office on Donkin Street, Entegy has set its sights on the international market.

Three years after its founding, the Brisbane start-up has grown to 25 people. They have tapped 53 program partners among well-known brands like Eventbrite, Monash, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council to propel its expansion outside of Australia.

In the first year of its partnership program, the “Entegy Suite” events management app became operational in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.

Today, the app has an established market in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Eventbrite alone supports Entegy users in eight countries.

Entegy is currently the main platform used for structuring 2,000 events around the world, including some major international events. By the middle of 2020, Caplen-Black and his team are preparing to open an outpost in Amsterdam.

The growth of this start-up isn’t slowing down. Caplen-Black said they are aiming to secure a market in the U.S. West Coast, as well as establish a site in Asia by 2021.

Meanwhile, its platform continues to be upgraded with new features. New interactive tools will be rolled out within 2020, such as group messaging, floor plans, session registration and meeting management.

Enhance Your Brain and Skill with Raw Art Workshop

For 25 years, Raw Art Workshop has been holding creative classes for all ages at its West End studio. Raw Art Workshop has proudly taught over a million creatives, from budding little artists developing their talents to adults rediscovering and rekindling their passion for arts and crafts.

With the addition of its in-school programs in 2019, the studio has been bustling than ever before. As another year gets underway, Raw Art remains committed to guiding its new batch of creatives through its lead instructor Tracy McDowall and her team.

*Photo Credit: Raw Art Workshops/Facebook*

Arts and crafts classes are a way for the children to develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and creativity. For adults, these creative classes are for stress relief and for getting unstuck in a rut when work, routines and responsibilities become overwhelming.

Hands-on art workshops also tap part of the brain that helps with critical thinking, problem-solving and complex analysis. Thus, adults and kids alike can greatly benefit from these sessions.

WHAT	WHO	WHEN	LESSON
Kindy Creative Thursdays	3.5 to 5 years old, with parent/guardian	Thursdays during the school term 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.	draw using pencils, charcoals or pastels work with clay cut and create stamps paint explore 3D media and mix media at least 10 sessions
Kids Art Club	5 to 12 years old	After school 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Wednesday & Thursday) 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Saturday)	a range of 2D and 3D art activities at least 15 sessions
Adult Workshops	Above 18 years old	As scheduled (refer to the website)	still life painting Macrame Other creative workshops

Raw Art Workshop is also open for party functions, kids art parties and group bookings. For enquiries about classes, slots and rates, phone Tracy at 0419 776 952.

Says Tracy, “Even after 25 years of doing RAW Art, I still strongly believe in the importance of art in peoples lives, and think it should be accessible to all- young or old. Creativity brings so much joy to people, and I am happy and proud to be a part of that link.”

Avid Reader Bookshop in West End to Host ‘Harry Potter’ 20th Anniversary Edition Launch

Twenty years ago, author J.K. Rowling released the fourth series of her best-selling “Harry Potter” fantasy novels. To celebrate this milestone, a 20th Year Anniversary Hogwarts Edition of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” will soon be available at the Avid Reader Bookshop in West End.

On Thursday, the 23rd of Jan 2020, Avid Reader Bookshop in collaboration with next-door neighbour Where The Wild Things Are Bookshop, will be hosting a launch party for this special edition release. Happening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the event will feature award-winning illustrator Levi Pinfold as the resource speaker, who will share some behind-the-scenes tidbits of illustrating special edition releases.

The Forest of Dean talent won the prestigious CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2013 for his “Black Dog” picture book. He was also awarded the Amnesty Honor at the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Awards.

*Photo Credit: Avid Reader Bookshop/Facebook*

Fans keen on getting a copy of the “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” 20th Year Anniversary Hogwarts Edition during the launch will receive Mr Pinfold’s specially designed crests of the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Included in the book is a bonus content about the reader’s favourite house.

Before Mr Pinfold’s talk, the bookshops will be running a series of “Harry Potter” fun activities:

WHAT	WHEN
Wand Making Workshop	2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Triwizard Trivia – Trivia for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire	4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guests are also free to grab any book to read in between the activities or have some bite at the cafe.

Avid Reader Bookshop opened in West End in 1997. By 2004, the bookstore moved to its current location in Boundary Street and opened a cafe and events place for launches, signings and book club meets.

Where the Wild Things Are is the bookstore’s kids section and specialty shop, which opened in 2015.

Make Your Own Gin at This West End Master Distillers Experience

Brisbane Distillery at Jane Street in West End brings the “school spirit” to a different level with its very own gin school where you can learn how to make your own distilled botanical-flavoured drink.

Brisbane Distillery’s Master Distillers Experience is a two-hour class for up to 24 people held above the main distilling room on the top loft. Before the class starts, you’ll go through a tasting session to pick your favourite flavour, which you’ll be making during the class.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Distillery/Facebook*

With over 100 botanical ingredients to choose from, you could easily concoct a personalised drink to take home or give as a gift. Some of these ingredients include the basic juniper berries, heaps of herbs, fruits and flowers, or a unique choice of about a dozen Australian bush food.

Once you’ve picked out the flavours you want, the guiding team will help you distill the drink using one of Brisbane Distillery’s copper stills. Whilst you’re learning the step-by-step process, you’ll also have a chance to sip different gins from the distillery. That’s right — you’re actually encouraged to drink alcohol during the class!

To make the experience more fun, invite your friends along so you can be in the same class together. Sign up for the gin school online. Classes are held at 2:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Brisbane Distillery is currently the only gin distillery in West End. Here, expert distillers can mix a 100ml bottle of personalised drinks but you can also choose from the variety of blends they have at the bar.

This site is open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. but the hours are extended until 11:00 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

This West End Walking Tour Will Help You Get into Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion is a growing movement that, among other things, fosters positive changes in the way people buy clothes, shoes and accessories to benefit the environment. If you’re interested in learning about this lifestyle or if you want to find out where to get ethical and locally-made products in West End, then you must join the sustainable fashion walking tour on Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019.

Britt’s List founder and editor Brittanie Dreghorn will lead the walking tour from 9:30 a..m. to 12:00 p.m. To begin at the clothing shop Nook in Browning Street, Britt will then take her guests to the rest of the stores in the area that cultivate sustainable fashion.

As a tour attendee, you can take advantage of the exclusive store discounts that come with your ticket purchase to this event. You may also personally speak to the store owners and designers about the ways they create and sell products whilst reducing their carbon footprint.

Britt will also impart her knowledge on ethical fashion and renewable energy in manufacturing, as well as highlight Australian brands that are part of this movement. A thought leader in the industry, Britt launched Britt List in 2017 to raise awareness and profile brands that are trying to reduce the damages they create in the Earth.

Each participant in this sustainable fashion walking tour will receive tote bags filled with gifts from the sponsors and stores. Slots are limited to 15 participants. Book your ticket online.

Applications for Brisbane’s Creative and History Grants for 2019-2020 Now Open

Did you know that you can apply for a grant with the Brisbane City Council to fund your projects as an artist, creative or art worker? Whether as an individual or as a group, you can secure funding between $10,000 to $30,000 through the Creative and History Grants if you have a brilliant idea that would also benefit West End or the rest of Brisbane.

In fact, applications are now being accepted at the Council for three types of grants below:

GRANT		DEADLINE of APPLICATION
Creative Sparks Grants Program Funding: $10,000	For creatives whose initiatives will help enrich Brisbane’s cultural, social and economic status.	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships Funding: $20,000	For budding creatives who want a career in the arts. Age limit: 17 to 30 years old	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program Funding: $30,000	For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.	Monday 16th of Dec 2019

If you’re interested in giving this grant application a shot, the Council is also willing to help you prepare a good pitch by hosting a Creative Grant Information Sessions for the first two weeks of November 2019. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with more information to ensure that your application will be picked, such as:

the different creative grant programs available
grant guidelines and application forms
advice on project eligibility and
tips on making an application

Take note of the time, date and location of the Creative Grant Information Sessions below:

Date/Time	Location
Monday, 4 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Brisbane Square Library 266 George Street, Brisbane City BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Nundah Library 1 Bage Street via Primrose Lane, Nundah BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 7 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Seven Hills Hub 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills * near Ron Hurley Theatre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Indooroopilly Library Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly * inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Garden City Library Level R4 – Yellow Car Park Garden City Shopping Centre Corner Logan Road &, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 14 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Visible Ink 5 Green Square Cl, Fortitude Valley BOOK YOUR TICKET

The Brisbane City Council provides grants annually to support and encourage talented local artists, innovators, historians, as well as organizations in their field of expertise. More than a source of funds, the help from the Council brings more opportunities for grant recipients to secure future stable projects or network with the leaders in their industry.

Grant holders, on the other hand, can contribute to the social-economic and cultural progress of Brisbane. This arrangement is a win-win situation for everyone.

Fredericks Wine Bar Pops Up In West Village Until December

If you’re thirsting for good vino, but you’re tired of going to the usual spots, then head down to Fredericks on Boundary Street. This pop-up bar, which opened in West Village in September, will serve you up a good time but it won’t be around for a long time as the bar will fold by December.

It’s hard to miss Fredericks in this stylish West End precinct with its glowing neon lights and eye-popping decorations. Named after Fredericks Peters, the inventor of Australia’s famous Peters Ice Cream, this open-spaced bar is at a great spot overlooking the old but historic factory.

A concept collaboration between restaurateurs Paul McGivern, Bailee Dewes, and Daniel and Amelia Miletic, as well as designers Jon Dowding and Chrissy Feld, Fredericks has 90 seats and an extensive wine menu from Australian and New Zealand producers and a substantial craft beer list. The spritzes incorporate some of the flavours of the beloved ice cream products, while the cocktails include creative concoctions like Lemon Drop or Planters Punch.

These drinks pair up well with a range of sophisticated bar food like manchego croquettes, mixed olives, gruyere and greens toasties, cheese platters and salumi plates. Diners, however, may also order from The Garden Pantry next door for a fuller meal.

The bar is like a test-run for what visitors can expect from the West Village. A permanent watering hole for drinking, lounging and relaxing with friends will be setting shop in the future but as the collaborators said, it’s still unclear if they will be behind the bar.

Fredericks is open every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It’s open for hosting events and private drinks as well.

Mindful Triathlon Wanderlust 108 to Take Place at Orleigh Park in West End

What is a mindful triathlon? A triathlon consists of three challenging endurance races that test the strength, stamina and speed of the participants. A mindful triathlon, on the other hand, combines running or walking with yoga and meditation for a transformational experience. These will all take place at Wanderlust 108 in West End on Saturday, the 19th of Oct 2019.

Wanderlust 108 is the world’s only mindful triathlon. The movement began in Los Angeles in 2014 and has since expanded to different cities across the world.

Kicking off at 7:30 a.m. at Orleigh Park, participants of Wanderlust 108 will first gather, warm-up and energise with coffee near the 5km starting line. The official race will start at 9:00 a.m., where you can run, walk, trot or skip to the finish line.

By 11:00 a.m., set up your yoga mat at the park grounds for a 75-minute yoga flow session, which will be followed by a 25-minute soul-soothing and muscle-relaxing meditation led by renowned yoga teachers and spiritual leaders.

There’s more to do at Wanderlust 108 when the mindful triathlon is done, though, as this event is also a shoppers market and workshop session. After the mindful triathlon to promote a healthy body and mind, a little retail therapy might also make you feel good. You can browse or shop at the Kula Marketplace for handcrafted pieces, clothing, accessories, food and drinks.

You may also listen in and join the workshops on gut health, hormonal advice, personal power, or Tibetan sound bath healing from experts like Lara Zilbowitz, Donovan McGrath, Kemi Nekvapil, Jordanna Levin, Helen Jacobs, Chantelle Rawlings and Lee Holmes.

The market will open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ping Pong Will Take Over West Village This September Weekend

Got a zest for sports? If you’re into Ping Pong, then you might want to be at West Village on Saturday and Sunday, the 21st and 22nd of Sept 2019, for a Ping Pong takeover!

Five tables for Ping Pong, also known as table tennis, will be open for both adults and kids to try their hand at this 100-year-old British sport. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., you can find the Ping Pong tables at West Village’s The Common.

For $100, you can book a two-hour game to challenge your mates at the Ping Pong table. The session is good for six players and this comes with food vouchers if you’ve worked out an appetite after playing. You may use these vouchers at the Cheeky Poke, Mr Bunz and Salt Meats Cheese from The Garden Pantry.

Ping Pong at West Village will also feature free workshops and demonstrations taking place on Saturday with the schedule below:

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.	Kids Workshop
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.	Free family fun
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.	Professional Ping Pong demonstration
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.	Free family fun
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	Booked Ping Pong sessions

Sunday’s activities, on the other hand, is a free-for-all but expect to wait your turn during peak hours.

Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival Returns for Year 2 at Musgrave Park

You can forget about your diet this coming weekend as the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival is back for a second year at the Musgrave Park in West End! Indulge in everything sweet at this delightful event happening on Saturday and Sunday, the 14th and 15th of Sept 2019.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., go ahead and enjoy brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack of cupcakes, gelatos, meringues, ice creams, chocolates, waffles and every sweet treat you can imagine. There’ll be no judgment if you decide to skip a healthy diet for this two-day fest because everyone else will also be satisfying their sweet cravings.

Featuring Queensland’s best dessert makers, this year’s lineup will include special dessert selections without nuts, gluten or lactose. There will be vegan desserts for those with specific dietary needs, too!

*Photo Credit: The World Food Markets/Facebook*

Don’t have a sweet tooth? Not a problem! Some savoury selections will also be offered at the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival. There will be heaps of options for street food and food truck gourmands.

Whilst you’re enjoying your treats, live music, competitions and activities will be going on throughout the two-day event. It’s guaranteed to be a veritable feast for your senses.

Follow The World Food Markets for the list of dessert makers, food trucks and performers you can expect at the second Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and cups for refilling at the water station as this is an eco-friendly party. This is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly event so bring the whole family to experience the sugar rush!

Score tickets here but kids under 15 years old may enter for free.