Popular online and Valletta-based shop il-lokal has launched a crowdfunding platform on Zaar to support the move to a larger workshop space in a more central location in the capital.
Starting as an online shop in 2020, il-lokal brings together more than 70 Maltese and Malta-based makers, artists, designers, and small independent brands. While it already has a small shop to mirror its online platform, to better serve Malta’s ever-growing creative community il-lokal now hopes to move to a larger and brighter space in Valletta’s Old Bakery Street.
“For us, moving to the larger space feels like a dream, but comes with a reality check: we cannot open a new creative hub in the heart of Valletta without your help,” explains il-lokal founder Karolina Rostkowska. “Our mission is to elevate and promote the work of amazing designers, artists and makers whose talent and passion make Malta a happier and more colourful place. Through the Zaar campaign, we can support the local creative community with the help of the Maltese public, to provide a comfortable space to meet, exchange ideas and share skills with others. We will not be just a gift shop anymore – we will finally have the space to host creative workshops, book launches, talks, and many other exciting activities!”
While the total sum required to make the new space match il-lokal’s long-term vision is €10,000, the recently launched crowdfunding campaign on Zaar hopes to raise €5,500 – a figure excited backers of the project are already well on their way to hitting. This will cover the cost of installation of a wheelchair and pram-friendly entrance, two air conditioners and a range of locally manufactured furniture, to create a comfortable and accessible environment for all. Any extra money raised through the campaign il-lokal will use to buy a projector and screen open to community use, invest in further integration between the online shop and retail outlet, and purchase packaging and storage equipment.
Apart from supporting Malta’s creative community via Zaar, Malta’s only crowdfunding platform, backers can also expect to receive attractive rewards based on the amount they pledge to the campaign, which is set to close on April 3. While a €5 donation will receive a set of three Polaroid-style postcards by Cardsy, a €15 pledge gets a zipper pouch handmade from upcycled PVC banners by Nice Things. For a €35 contribution, supporters will receive an A4 photography print of Strait Street – Resting by Semih Okmen, and with €50, an A3 print of Valletta Rooftops by Ed Dingli.
Meanwhile, anyone who contributes €100 to the campaign will enjoy a reward bundle worth €105 – as will donations of €140, which also receive a €50 shop voucher. A donation of €200 receives the rewards bundle, plus a shop voucher worth an incredible €120. What’s more, every contribution to the campaign receives a personalised hand-written note of thanks and an invitation to the opening party of Malta’s newest creative hub.
Visitors are invited to donate to the il-lokal: a new creative hub in Valletta crowdfunding campaign at www.zaar.com.mt. More information about il-lokal is at www.il-lokal.com.
