Locally designed t-shirts now available to purchase from a vending machine

Commissioned by The Empire Theatre, the Rare Squid Creative team converted a Marketplace score into a way to support local designers.

The Rare Squid Creative team setting up Crisp Threads at the Artlands Conference.

By Phoebe Tully
Published 9 September 2021

Rare Squid Creative are now selling locally designed t-shirts – from a vending machine.

“Crisp Threads” is a vending machine that dispenses shirts that are locally designed, screen printed and packaged. The designs are by local artists Ashley Churchward, Amber Jones and Johanna Park.

Combining the idea of a functional vending machine and an art installation, Crisp Threads was made to support local and budding artists and designers, providing them a unique way to sell their designs. The vending machine was launched at the Armitage Centre during Artlands thanks to a commission by the Empire Theatre, and is now hanging out at USQ in the School of Creative Arts. The arty machine will be a mobile shop, moving between pubs, local cafes and creative events in the near future.

If you’re on the USQ campus, make sure you stop by A Block to purchase your own local designed t-shirt.