Musikfest Takes Handwerkplatz Virtual This Year to Support Local Small Businesses
Artisans are invited to apply to participate in new shopping portal presented by Martin Guitar
BETHLEHEM, PA—Handwerkplatz presented by Martin Guitar, Musikfest’s popular artisan village in Historic Bethlehem, is transitioning to an online shopping destination this year to highlight the region’s artists. The site, located at www.musikfest.org/virtualhandwerkplatz, goes live today and will be available through the end of August.
During Musikfest 2020, Handwerkplatz presented by Martin Guitar will have an official shopping portal featuring links and photos of participating artisans. ArtsQuest will promote the portal via its website, social media and various marketing platforms, encouraging the community and ‘fest fans to support these independent businesses, many of whom have been hit hard as arts events and festivals across the nation have been cancelled. The site will link to the artists’ websites, where you can shop for hundreds of unique and handcrafted items and works of art.
Featured artists so far include:
Whisker Biscuits Handmade Dog Treats – healthy USA-made pet treats
Skyseed Energy – handcrafted healing, hand-wrapped gemstones
High Strung Studios – handcrafted guitar string jewelry and gifts
Rediscover Handbags – handbags with your favorite theatrical program or album cover
Lucas Candies – craft beer brittle
Handmade Art Studios – handmade colorfully created wall art
RAVEbandz No Slip Headbands – lifestyle and fitness headbands
Finneran Jewelry – handcrafted upcycled jewelry made from vintage tin and beads
Rickey’s Jerky – handcrafted beef and exotic game jerky
Michael Sandy Photography – fine art photography including photos of Bethlehem Steel
ArtsQuest’s resident artists at the Banana Factory, including the glass studio, will also be featured on the online shopping portal. In addition, videos demonstrating how the artisans’ products are made will be released each day during Musikfest. Crafters are invited to submit their own videos to ArtsQuest for the chance to be one of the top 10 selected to be featured during Musikfest.
“Each year ArtsQuest provides opportunities for more than 200 artisans through our programming and events, including 45 vendors at Musikfest,” says ArtsQuest Operations Manager Emily Kocis. “As a small business ourselves, we know how vital it is for independent businesses to have opportunities to support their livelihood right now, so we are excited that virtual Musikfest and this shopping portal will allow them to offer their items and work for sale.”
Artisans who would like to take part in virtual Handwerkplatz presented by Martin Guitar can sign up or learn more by contacting crafters@artsquest.org.
The largest free music festival in the nation, Musikfest is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority, Bethlehem Area School District, Northampton County, the support of the corporate community and more than 1,600 volunteers and 3,300 supporting members.
Musikfest 2020 will take place July 31-Aug. 9. This year’s festival will include 40 concerts shown via Musikfest.org as part of Virtual Musikfest, 40 performances by bands performing live from the Service Electric TV studios and an on-site food and beverage experience at SteelStacks that will include at least 10 Musikfest favorite food vendors. Additional details on the festival, including possible additional in-person events and concerts at SteelStacks, will be announced in the coming weeks.
