It started as a tiny concept store in Paignton.

Not because we'd always dreamed of opening a shop, but because we wanted to create a place where independent creativity wasn't hidden away on the bottom shelf.

Where people popped in for a birthday card... and somehow left with sushi socks, a print, three stickers, and a new favourite illustrator 

Very quickly we realised something, the shop wasn't the destination, it was the prototype.

It proved that people genuinely wanted to discover independent artists in a more relaxed, playful and accessible way.

So we started asking ourselves a different question. What if buying art was as easy as buying a chocolate bar? That question led us to an old vending machine.

Well... several old vending machines.

Dan spent weeks bringing the first one back to life. I'm fairly sure he spoke to it more than he spoke to me. Instead of snacks, it became a tiny gallery.

Today, every Supamatic machine is rescued, restored and wrapped in original artwork before being filled with prints, ceramics, jewellery, zines, badges, stickers and beautifully made things from independent artists and creatives.

With support from Innovate UK and Creative UK, we've built a growing network of creative vending machines in universities, theatres and arts venues across the South West.

We now work alongside more than 100 artists, helping their work reach people who may never have walked into a gallery or searched for them online.

Artists are paid fairly, their names are front and centre, and their stories matter just as much as the work itself.