Discovering the next artistic sensation before it hits the mainstream can be an exciting pursuit. The Future Cats Market at the University of Arizona offers just that opportunity, showcasing the talents of young entrepreneurs from local schools.
The market is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted at the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition’s headquarters at 311 E. Seventh Street. This event is organized by Student-Made Arizona, a platform that empowers University of Arizona students by providing a unified online storefront for their businesses. The initiative operates under the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship within the Eller College of Management.
At the helm of this project is Hannah Contardi, a junior majoring in retailing and consumer science from the College of Life, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. As the events and partnerships manager for Student-Made Arizona, she coordinates various pop-up markets around Tucson for the benefit of student vendors.
“Student-Made may be targeted towards college students, but I know there are a lot of other young people out there who are creative, too,” Contardi remarked. “I wanted to provide a catalyst for their creative energy, and this market seemed like the perfect way to do that. Art is such a wonderful thing but knowing that people think your art is good enough to pay for is a phenomenal feeling.”
The Future Cats Market was conceptualized by Contardi alongside Johnny Carillo, the coalition’s resident artist, following their collaboration at last year’s Made in Tucson Market. This annual event celebrates the vibrant creative scene of the city.
In anticipation of the Made in Tucson Market, Carillo, Contardi, and fellow Student-Made Arizona members crafted merchandise and later showcased their products. Contardi found this experience invaluable, offering practical insights into successful product display and customer interaction.
For the upcoming Future Cats Market, Contardi has approved 40 vendors who will present a variety of items such as prints, drawings, stickers, and jewelry. Attendees can also enjoy entertainment from a live DJ and a food truck.
Supporting Future Entrepreneurs
More than just a marketplace, Student-Made Arizona, which launched in 2024, offers students mentorship and networking opportunities.
Julie Barbier Bularzik, the venture development education coordinator for the McGuire Center, highlights that the Future Cats Market is a testament to Student-Made Arizona’s mission beyond business education, fostering community engagement.
“We are dedicated to providing opportunities for students to experiment and innovate while learning valuable leadership skills, and we strive to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives, responsible leadership flourishes, and entrepreneurship becomes a powerful force for positive change across society-at-large,” Barbier Bularzik stated. “I love setting students up for success and then letting them drive. When you set clear expectations and goals in partnership with students, they have the ability to make it their own.”
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