THE CREATIVE Circle Philippines launched the 2nd Crafts Fest Dabaw this year highlighting sustainability and environmental preservation through creativity.
Crafts Fest Dabaw will be a convergence of local and regional crafters, artists, designers, creators, and even creative business owners from the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises coming from the creative food and non-food sectors with sustainability practices, said Ms. Marj Alawi-Bulahan, Lead Organizer, Crafts Fest Dabaw and Founder, Creative Circle Philippines
“ We hope to bring them together to create meaningful conversations to celebrate sustainability with creativity,” Bulahan said.
Last 2022 during the 1st crafts fest, there were only 10-12 participating merchants however this year they are set to open more spaces to invite more creative businesses both in the food and non-food sectors. They are aiming to double the number of merchants to 20-30 this year.
The participating businesses this year include furniture makers from Environment-Friendly Timber (EFT), Rainbow Loop project (Davao-based group of fiber artists), Kaantigo Novelty Shop (handicrafts), among others. A crochet artist coming from Baguio City will also be present in the fest to showcase mandala crocheting.
Apart from promoting sustainability, Bulahan said the crafts fest also champions resourcefulness. The artworks that will be showcased at the feast are made from scrap metals and wood, recycled and upcycled materials, quilts made from worn-out clothes, and even junk materials.
Eng. Tricia Sardinia-Peek Lead Architect, Crafts Fest Dabaw and Managing Director, AEX Architects Exhange said that the fest will serve as an avenue to further sustainability in businesses in one way for environmental care.
“We need to start thinking differently about how we treat our wastes. Maybe have a repair cafe, collaborate with manual skilled labor kasi they are the ones to fix that nababawasan ating landfill, it all boils down to our wastes,” Sardinia-Peek said.
Kabunyan, who is known for its crafts made out of broken tiles, and Noi Narciso, who is popular for his DIY instruments from discarded items will grace the event.
The 2nd annual crafts fest is in partnership with Azuela Cove and in collaboration with AEX Architects Exchange | La Upcycled | The Mighty Bhutens | ArtHome Bound | Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability – IDIS | IDeyator Ventures.
The holiday arts and crafts market will be inaugurated on Oct. 5, and it will run until December every Friday- Sunday at Pocket Park, Azuela Cove, Lanang Davao City.
