Artisans had an opportunity to display their arts and craft at an event dubbed “Cultural Festival 2013”, last weekend.
The two-day event, which was held at the Cruise Ship Terminal, showcased various local crafts, international cuisine, as well as provided local entertainment.
It was held in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture and the SVG Port Authority
Jan Fernandez, organiser of Cultural Festival 2013, told I-Witness News that the event, which included a kids’ corner, aimed to build awareness of the private sector in the field of arts and craft.
The intention, she said, is to look for export markets for artisans as well as a fun event for the public.
She said the local market for arts and craft should be developed before artisans begin looking for market overseas.
“Our craft people are very enthusiastic about building our business. I want to help them,” the public relations expert and entrepreneur told I-Witness News.
She said that at the same time, she wants to help the private sector to build the nation’s infrastructure and education.
“So, right now, we are starting with the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, starting with the Paediatric Ward,” she said.
“The response has just been great; I am loving it. This is just the first, pilot run. They are asking to do another one for Independence, and we have one scheduled for Christmas — a three-day event, Christmas Vincy Marketplace. And we will feature craft and our agro produce,” she further said.
Some 42 exhibitors participated in last weekend’s event, which included the sale of food from various cultures, included Japanese, Pilipino Jamaican, Trinidadian, Spanish, Italian, and Haitian.
“We have a great blend of culture,” Fernandez said, adding that they need to be highlighted.
I sincerely hope that they rename this event. Can anyone think of a more generic, bland and uninspiring name for an event than “cultural festival”? Where is the creativity? Where is the originality? In this age of a million competing festivals in the Caribbean are they not interested in creating a unique brand? Are they not interested in standing out from the crowd? The name “Cultural Festival” is just not good enough. Jeez. Nevertheless, the concept is excellent.