Features / Arts
Interview: Matt Manson, the man behind VendArt
A Bristol artist seeking a way to sell his wares sought inspiration from the streets of New York and pioneered a unique concept to promote local makers at a grassroots level.
With an old vending machine bought from a Kent trading estate, a bit of ingenuity and a solid network of creative friends, Matt Manson set about making his VendArt dream a reality and the result is fast taking off.
“I want this to be a grass roots Bristol creative project,” said the surface pattern designer, who installed his art vending machine in The Island, where people can purchase unique pieces from some of the city’s most talented artists, makers and illustrators.
is needed now More than ever
The fact he could not afford to produce a proper brochure did not stop Manson, who fashioned a product highlights zine out of a single piece of paper, detailing the artists involved – including Jackknife Prints, Lisa Rose and, the only non-Bristol artist in the pack, Ben Rider – which opens out into a poster.
On the inspiration behind VendArt, Manson said: “I was living in New York when I was about 21 and there was an activist cycle group that had a vending machine in Brooklyn that sold cycle equipment. That idea stuck with me for years.
“This Christmas, I was doing a lot of stalls and markets and I thought I need to get my own shop but I can’t afford to do it. That’s where the idea of the vending machine came back to me.”
The 29-year-old from St Andrews explained it started out simply as an idea to help get his own work out there, but developed into a project that not only promotes local artists, but also brings affordable, accessible artwork to the wider community, who might not otherwise engage with the city’s art scene.
Products currently on offer include artist’s prints, zines, embroidered patches, badges, stickers and T-shirts, with prices ranging from £1 to £25.
There are also snacks from the Essential Trading Co-operative, a Bristol-based workers co-operative that specialises in supplying organic, FairTrade, vegetarian and vegan fare, to cater for people in The Island, or even anyone waiting at the bus stop outside.
“I would love to expand the concept of VendArt,” said Manson.
“If I can get enough money from this, I would like ultimately like to build about three or four. Stokes Croft would be the next obvious space. It needs somewhere where it’s not going to get broken into and somewhere there are a lot of people.”
Manson converted the former food vending machine so that it only accepts card payments, partly because the items inside cost up to £25 and partly to safeguard against theft, he then branded it with his trademark style.
Business is going well so far, with at least a purchase a day, but Manson admits there is an air of mystery surrounding who is buying the products.
He said everyone he has spoken to in the Bristol art scene and wider community have been really positive about the idea and he has received nothing but support from The Island and its residents.
So, watch this space for a VendArt machine near you soon.
Read more: Introducing VendArt
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