The Edmonton Arts Council has your back – if that’s where you want to show off your love for the city’s transit system.
The Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services, previously called TIX on the Square, has a transit-themed shirt for sale alongside other hyper-local items.
“There are a lot of fun references to Edmonton and ETS, our pedway system - a lot of things that are authentically Edmonton,” said Danny Ross, the manager of arts and retail services for the Edmonton Arts Council.
“This t-shirt is a part of a collection of goods that is locally produced, Canadian-made and meant to celebrate Edmonton.”
The shirt was designed by a local graphic designer.
“The thing that was really exciting about this collection for us is that it really aligned with our mandate to support local,” he added.
“Working with partners who really want to push Edmonton as a go-to place for art, for design, for manufacturing, is excellent, and that’s what we’re here for.”
The collection was done in collaboration with the mayor’s office, which Ross said is a “strong supporter of the Edmonton arts and culture community.”
Last year, the idea of an online store that sells transit merchandise was brought up by city staff and supported by councilor Andrew Knack.
It was estimated the store could bring in $25,000 a year without bringing in additional staff.
This collection currently on sale had a “quiet launch,” with the goal for people to discover it in the shop, according to Ross.
In addition to the shirt, the collection also has transit-themed socks, an Edmonton mug, mittens, dog bandana and tote bag.
The reception has been “great,” with the store selling “much more than expected,” Ross added.
“We’ve met a lot of new friends here in the shop, a lot of people who are transit enthusiasts, people who want to support local, who want to support Canadian,” Ross said.
The collection is intended to be limited and once the stock is sold, it’s gone.
The Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services had around 100 T-shirts left in stock on Wednesday.
