Our Mission

Connection Β· Community Β· Creativity

Our mission is to build a strong creative community, highlight the incredible talent in the North and provide space for creatives to connect and thrive together. We believe in the power of community and the joy in making things by hand.

NEW

〰️

THE COLLECTIVE

NEW 〰️ THE COLLECTIVE

The Collective logo featuring two hands high-fiving, surrounded by words 'Community', 'Connection', 'Creativity', and a blurred background of people.

The Collective is all about bringing makers and artists from Northern Ontario together to create a vibrant, supportive community right here in Northern Ontario. We provide a space for connection, collaboration, and shared learning with the goal of taking your handmade business to the next level.

With a focus on education, collaboration, and community, we’re dedicated to building a space where creativity can flourish and makers can find the tools and support they need to succeed.

Through workshops both online & in person, community building events and a stronger network of support, we believe the future of Northern Ontario makers is right here in THE COLLECTIVE!

We’re simply better together.

Illustration of two fists bumping together, symbolizing a fist bump

Interested in future markets?

If you are interested in participating in a future event or market please sign up for our newsletter HERE. We always send out the applications to our newsletter subscribers first!

WHAT WE DO

Crowded indoor market with people browsing various stalls, art displays, and products; large windows with more people outside; industrial-style ceiling and mezzanine.

Makers North Handmade Markets

We host everyone’s favourite Northern Ontario handmade only markets! Our goal is always to highlight and support Northern Ontario makers of the highest quality. Our markets give them the opportunity to connect with a huge audience of passionate supporters. We’re very proud and grateful to be able to showcase all of the incredible talent in the north!

Crowd with raised hands and "The Collective" text overlay

Membership

The Collective membership supports makers and artists from Northern Ontario to grow their handmade businesses by providing resources, connections, and opportunities to thrive in their craft.

Group of women sitting around a wooden table, engaged in a discussion; some are writing on papers while others are looking at a phone. Coffee and teapot on the table.

Community Building

Here at Makers North Collective believe that we’re stronger together which is why we do our best to build an inclusive community for all makers. With our private Facebook group, maker meet ups and workshops our goal is to build a strong community of makers to uplift, support and cheer each other on!

Shoppers at indoor market browsing clothing racks and vendor stalls.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAKERS & MOCHAS

MAY 2025
Online

A meet-up for Collective members to have coffee, chat about your handmade biz, your latest creative idea and more!


Makers North + Up Here Festival

AUGUST 2025
Outdoor Summer Market!

We’re SO excited to partner up with the fab folks at Up Here fest once again to host a handmade only outdoor market as part of their Family Day on August 16th 2025! Applications open soon, stay tuned. Sign up for our newsletter below to be first to apply!


A few words from our makers

Person at a Makers North booth with donation sign, rolls of paper, and lit backdrop.

$14+

THOUSAND DOLLARS DONATED
Through markets, fundraisers and more we have been able to donate over $12+ thousand dollars plus food, personal care items and more to local charities and Northern Ontario based causes.

Person standing at an art exhibition booth displaying various nature-themed paintings and small prints on display tables.

8+

YEARS SERVING THE MAKER COMMUNITY
From our very first market way back in 2016 to today, we strive to bring opportunities to all makers from those first starting out to seasoned pros and hope to expand our ability to help makers thrive in the coming years.

Two women holding brown paper bags with 'Makers North' logo, smiling, in front of a festive background with greenery and posters.

1500+

SWAG BAGS GIFTED!
We had to include it because we’re just darn proud! Our makers are truly the best and come up with the most fun goodies for everyones favourite swag bags!

Makers North respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Robinson-Huron Treaty Territory and the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnaabeg. We are truly grateful that ourselves and our makers are able to create and share our work on this beautiful land. We are proud to provide space for Indigenous makers to represent their work and culture at all of our events. Miigwech.

Follow along on Instagram to get behind the scenes of Makers North Collective!