The Story Behind the Inaugural IWCN Merch Design Competition
Authored by Lian Loke

Who doesn’t love good merch! A cap, tee-shirt or tote bag emblazoned with a cool graphic representing something you love. The committee have been brewing on the idea of creating our own merch for the Inner West Creative Network. Instead of displaying the network’s logo, we thought this could be a great opportunity to feature the work of creatives in the network. Aligning with the network’s mission to promote and showcase the work of Inner West artists and creatives.
The idea for the Merch Design Comp bubbled up in a group discussion during one of our committee meetings. Competitions can help build community and enhance exposure of creatives and their work. Hence the competition theme “Connected by Making” seemed apt and spoke to the values of the IWCN. We are very curious to see what ideas will be submitted by our members.
The winning idea will be printed on a range of merchandise, and available for purchase on the IWCN website. Sales profits will go back into funding the activities of the network, which include offering professional development workshops for members, community meetups featuring invited artist talks and musicians, and social media promotion of members and the network. Importantly, it will help us pay artists for their work at the award rate, a principle we value and uphold at the IWCN.

Sara Buchner and Lian Loke
Organisers of the inaugural Merch Design Comp