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UpMarket shuts up shop

UpMarket shuts up shop

Organisers of Southbank’s newest designer UpMarket called stumps on the initiative last month following a difficult establishment period.

The highly-anticipated market launched with a bang on September 6 at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Arts (ACCA) forecourt. However, a combination of bad weather and administrative difficulties led organisers to discontinue – having only staged four markets.

The market also temporarily shut for a month in October after blustery conditions forced organisers to plan for its relocation to the sheltered courtyard in between ACCA and the Malthouse Theatre.

Southbank Local News understands that while the market was deemed unviable to continue, it is hoped that the initiative has created a template for the arts institutions and Creative Victoria to potentially fund and reintroduce in the future.

Member for Albert Park and Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: "The Government is continuing to look at creative ways to further bolster and enliven the Southbank precinct."

"While the cancellation of The Upmarket is disappointing, the return of successful initiatives like Testing Grounds and MPavilion, as well as the return of Sugar Mountain festival to the precinct, shows that there is a great appetite for creative approaches to our urban spaces."

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