Searching for a place to sell your artwork, handicrafts, or tickets to your upcoming production? We’ve got you covered: here’s a list of venues easily accessible to Penangites to put your products up for sale.
By Sofea Lee
Penang boasts many well-designed and affordable spaces encouraging creators across all mediums to sell their work, making it easy for art enthusiasts to support local artists. We’ve gathered a collection of marketplaces both physical and virtual where you can market your pieces to Penangites.
Arteesan
Arteesan is a virtual platform for artists to display and sell their work online. The platform prides itself on using technology to democratise art, providing a sleek and user-friendly experience for artists and interested buyers alike. One unique feature of this art portal is that creators can easily generate certificates of authenticity for both digital and physical artwork by using ready-made blockchain tools provided. Arteesan also runs group shows and solo exhibitions, occasionally partnering with organisers around the world and providing an online viewing experience to accompany physical shows held by Malaysian artists.
Check out their platform to get started or follow their Instagram page for updates on upcoming events.
artiKARYA
While this art platform was only launched in Penang in April 2023, artiKARYA was established in KL back in 2019 as an artist mentoring and incubation program for Malaysian creatives. Through a partnership between Yayasan Hasanah and Giclee Art, an art prints specialist, artiKARYA enables artists and photographers to produce high-quality art reproductions of their work for sale. Their online store also serves as a virtual gallery for art appreciators to browse through and purchase selected pieces.
Interested artists can register on their website. If you are keen on exploring the extensive online store, click here.
Check out their platform to get started or follow their Instagram page for updates on upcoming events.
Hin Market
A bustling bazaar, Hin Market has long been a weekend staple in George Town for artists and crafters to peddle their wares. From batik bucket hats to minimalist T-shirts with a local aesthetic twist, many handicraft vendors show up every week to showcase their products. The weekend marketplace regularly draws hundreds of Penangites and tourists alike who wish to soak in the lively atmosphere and acquire tasteful pieces for themselves and their loved ones.
Artists and vendors interested in applying for a stall at the Hin Market can reach out via Instagram or Facebook.
The Crafterina (Bakes & Crafts)
Across the street, this charming storefront opened on Jalan Gurdwara in December 2022, but The Crafterina began operating as a stall in Hin Market where owner Sylvia sold homemade baked goods and light refreshments. After some time, Sylvia decided to continue her business in a static venue that could open on the weekdays as well. She asked fellow artists whom she had befriended over the years if they would be interested in displaying their products in her store, and the rest is history.
Now, customers can enjoy pastries and drip coffee (using coffee beans roasted by a local vendor!) while they browse through nearly 2,000 unique items crafted by local artisans. The Crafterina team actively uses their data on inventory movement to give feedback to vendors, providing them helpful insight regarding potential issues hindering product sales.
Those looking to sell their products can connect with the team via Instagram or reach out to Sylvia on WhatsApp at +60 16-537 5647.
The Crafteteria
Further north in Tanjung Tokong, you can find more handmade artisanal goods on the ground floor of Straits Quay. During the lockdowns of the pandemic, Justin Tan and several other local craftsmen wanted to sell their pieces and scouted for locations to set up shop.
Fortunately, they found an opportunity to band together and run a store in Straits Quay. The initial plan was only to rent the space for a few months and see how things went, but now they have successfully turned it into a mainstay at the mall.
The Crafteteria is unique in that the vendors see themselves without hierarchy. To that end, they take turns manning the shop, with everyone putting in a set number of hours each week. Justin suggests that it is because of the cooperative spirit of this artisan community that many of their vendors have been with The Crafteteria since its inception in late 2021.
The Crafteteria’s vendor list is currently full for the rest of the year, but they encourage any artists interested in selling their products here to get in touch via Instagram or Facebook.
CloudJoi
CloudJoi (previously CloudTheatre) initially operated as a virtual theatre during the pandemic to allow performers, producers, and everyone in between to still run shows and reach audiences through streaming.
While their digital theatre space remains open, CloudJoi has grown into a major digital hub for arts practitioners to sell tickets for shows in the live entertainment space, ranging from concerts to dances to comedy shows to musicals.
The platform simplifies ticketing and streaming so performing artists can easily list their shows as well as track ticket sales and attendance. Those looking for an evening of culture can navigate the CloudJoi home page easily to discover upcoming shows by genre, venue, and time.
Have a look at their Instagram or explore their website for a comprehensive list of shows happening in Penang and elsewhere. If you are looking to list your show on the platform, contact them here.
This is an exciting time for artists and entrepreneurs to introduce their work to the community. If you’ve been at a loss to find where to sell your artwork, handcrafted products, or event tickets, now is the time to take advantage of the many venues open to Penangites.
Other locations to check out on the island include Suka-Suka Store, Mano Plus, Heritage House 25, and Urbania.
Sofea Lee is interested in the intersection of art and community in Penang. She enjoys writing and supporting all artistic endeavours on the island.