Jamaica plays big part in Design Caribbean staging

The best of Jamaica's creative industry will come alive at this year's staging of Design Caribbean, the region's largest trade show of the finest handmade designs and innovative products. JAMPRO, through its Export Promotion Department, will unveil a culturally inspired national collection of approximately 27 design pieces at the event, which began in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Thursday and ends on Monday.

This year's collection is to showcase the work of Jamaican artisans utilising various media, including wood, metal, fibre and clay. Jamaica has consistently been a strong participant in the annual trade show, with JAMPRO facilitating the activity over the past 15 years.

This year's collection is expected to showcase impressive pieces representative of Jamaica's culture, people and environment.

Attendees of Design Caribbean will be intrigued by the intricate designs of the voodoo clocks, cow horn salad servers, wicker furniture, ceramic bowls, and other artistic pieces that will be on display. Creative Wood Products and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation are the two participants exhibiting their merchandise at the event.

Additionally, five local companies: SN Craft, Margaret McGhie Ceramics, Craftique, Revolutionary Gallery, and Exquisite Wicker, will also be showcasing their artistic creations at Design Caribbean, through funding provided by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

The national collection was developed by a group of local artisans under the guidance of international design consultant Giulio Vinaccia, with the assistance of national designer Laura Lee Jones. Their technical expertise was made available through the Caribbean Export/ITC Promoting CARIFORUM Creative Industries project. The goal of the project is to increase the competitiveness of micro and small-sized enterprises through the development of export-ready craft collections for distribution to regional and international markets.

Design Caribbean targets the creative industries sector, in particular, all Caribbean artisans engaged in product design from diverse creative specialties. These include, but are not limited to, ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, spa and wellness items and leather goods. The show also targets buyers from North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

Through JAMPRO's business and promotional support, an average of 36 companies attended the event in previous years, resulting in spot sales and follow-up orders. Following this year's participation in Design Caribbean, JAMPRO will showcase and promote the national collection, starting with the Jamaica Product Exchange trade fair which targets tourism investors. The event will be held in Montego Bay from September 18-21.