Creative entrepreneurs convene in trade bazaar

CEBU, Philippines - Create Cebu, a group of Cebuano creative artists, wants to see more crafters coming out to help develop the creative sector in Cebu.

 The group and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines are bringing Cebu’s startup crafters, artisans and traders at a bazaar called Criss-Crossings: A Craft and Culture Walkabout starting today until November 15 at the Crossroads in Banilad, Cebu City.

 In an interview, Cecilia Martinez-Miranda, one of the group’s collaborators, said they had invited young creative entrepreneurs who make products that define the ingenuity and creativity that Cebu is known for.

 “It upholds the idea that collaboration equals creativity, and it encourages creative entrepreneurs to contribute positively to the cultural capital of Cebu City,” organizers noted in a statement. Organizers said they expect at least 20 participants to join the exhibit.

 Kae Batiquin, also of Create Cebu, said that Cebu has a lot of potential in boosting further its image as the country’s creative capital through showcasing the Cebuanos’ creative side.

 Miranda said they hope the bazaar will help these local crafters establish potential partners or customers.

 In 2008, Cebu City was recognized by the British Council as the Creative Capital of the Philippines and Metro Cebu is also currently part of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN).

 It was in June when Cebu hosted the 4th SEACCN. SEACCN, created in April 2014, is a network for creative cities and clusters in SE Asia.

Cebu, having been known for its creative sector, represents the Philippines in the association along with other secondary cities in SE Asia namely: Chiang Mai, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; and Bandung, Indonesia. The association has interest in urban development, heritage and arts, all art forms, crafts, innovation, digital content, functional design and entrepreneurship, among others. (FREEMAN)