Pop-up shop | Ben zo terug

The pop-up shop Ben will open again in Leeuwarden: a shop that only sells souvenirs, shirts, prints and art made by Frisian makers. The organization wants to support creatives, use available space in the city centre and enrich the selection in the city.

Ben Zo Terug (Be right back)

The concept was developed by Koen Haringa, and was organized with makers Marleen Stoelwinder and Alex Wening, among others. The title refers to the note from the shopkeeper who will be away for a short while (he leaves it on the door of the shop), but because of Corona some shopkeepers will not come back at all. One of the vacant shop spaces that has been a result of this, will be used again with Ben to temporarily give Frisian makers from the cultural sector the opportunity to sell more work, while at the same time keeping the city centre attractive. In the longer term, research is being conducted into what other earning opportunities there may be for creative makers, for example by offering tourists a locally made alternative to Made in China souvenirs and gifts. Ben Zo Terug (Be right back) is supported with Corona support money from the municipality of Leeuwarden and the Province of Friesland, and has been organized in collaboration with the city centre management and the Mooidingenmakers platform.

Made in Friesland

The shop opens at Over de Kelders 28 on November 2 and will be open five days a week from then until Christmas. Various 'beautiful things' are sold by more than 25 Frisian makers. This includes gifts and souvenirs such as postcards, posters, photos, screen prints, shirts, nice-to-haves, art, books and games. The range is continuously supplemented.