‘Shame’ as Artist Collective at Caneland Shopping Centre to close

A shop selling “unique, local handmades” and artworks is closing after three years at Mackay’s busiest shopping centre, so read why artists say they’ll ‘rise from the ashes’.

Mackay artist Lupytha Hermin said Artist Collective's closing was a "shame". Photo: Zoe Devenport

Artist Collective at Caneland Central has been a premier destination to support the region’s talented artists but now its days are numbered.

After three years in the Mackay region’s busiest shopping centre, the artist-run outlet will close its doors on December 29.

Mackay artist Lupytha Hermin said she joined the collective after seeing the shop in 2019, and it was a “shame” to see it fold.

“There’s nothing else we can do,” Ms Hermin said.

“This year all the retailers are having the same problems.

Mackay artist Lupytha Hermin said Artist Collective's closing at Caneland Central was a "shame". Photo: Zoe Devenport

“It’s not long to go, I’m sad now.”

A painter and graphic designer, Ms Hermin said a broken roller door at the shop’s entrance made things “even worse”.

Community campaigner and fellow artist, Margaret Burgess, said the region’s economic downturn and the access issues made the outlet’s future uncertain.

“We can’t continue to waste resources and time and money, and not get a return,” Ms Burgess said.

“Things changed with escalating prices (and) shop access.

“We still want to offer unique local handmades and raise the profile of local artists.”

The store’s pending closure follows recently announced plans to start an artist studio trail across the region being led by Ms Burgess.

“We will be like phoenixes rising out of the ash,” Ms Burgess aid.

Artist Collective will be closing at Caneland Central on December 29. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“Groups of artisans are looking at doing more permanent inner city studios and pop-up shops (in the meantime).”

Ms Hermin said the artist trail proposal was “brilliant” and hoped to be involved were it to come to fruition.

“You need some place to get to get these artworks displayed,” Ms Hermin said.

“Come on Mackay, look at all this talent.”