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Santo Domingo – Design Caribbean, the region’s foremost tradeshow which highlights the creativity and craft products of the Caribbean, will be formally launched in the Dominican Republic on Thursday (May 12).
Organised and managed by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, this launch event in Santo Domingo will set the tone for a number of other promotions around the region in coming months, all building towards the main Design Caribbean tradeshow from September 1-4 in the Dominican Republic.
Design Caribbean is also a successor to the annual Caribbean Gift and Craft show and has emerged as the premier show-piece event for artisans and designers from the CARIFORUM region (CARICOM states plus the Dominican Republic). The 2011 edition will be much bigger, providing greater access to important regional and international buyers.
“We are very excited about this project as it provides a more integrated and better platform for how we in the Caribbean sell ourselves,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.
“Design Caribbean is part of the broader effort to help artisans, designers and other talented people of the region to access the international marketplace. People who are involved in design, art, film, music the full range of niches in the creative industries,” she said.
The multi-dimensional trade-show in early September will not only bring together buyers and sellers of the best the Caribbean has to offer but will provide education and vital exposure for the region’s craftspersons.
Alongside the main trade fair, several parallel events are planned – including a major musical event, a film programme and a fashion show. Artisans will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of inspirational educational seminars, addressing such topics as copyright, growing a business and how to access foreign markets.
Design Caribbean has traditionally attracted buyers from North America, Europe and CARICOM, but a wider interest in Caribbean products has been emerging this year.
According to Coke-Hamilton, Caribbean Export sees this event as an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to experience the Caribbean, where all cultures collide to create something beautiful.
“Caribbean design reflects a unique environment where different races and cultures have been able to create a genuine melting pot and a special Caribbean identity . By merging all of this , we have created a spirit and a passion which is uniquely and quintessentially Caribbean.”
“The soul of the Caribbean is dynamic, vibrant and intrinsically beautiful. This is Design Caribbean,” she said.
Designers, artisans and others involved in the creative industries are eligible to participate in Design Caribbean , showcasing products such ceramics, jewelry, fashion accessories, home furnishings, specialty foods, leather goods etc.
Sign –up details are available at www.carib-export.com
ENDS