CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire, SANTO DOMINGO, DR, Mon. Sept. 5, 2011: Declared a resounding success, Caribbean Export officially ended its inaugural trade fair, Design Caribbean, at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4th

Held at Hotel El Embajador, Santo Domingo, the show was declared a huge success in highlighting the Caribbean Region’s best artisans.  Officially opened four days earlier, on September 1, 2011, with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Dominican Republic’s First Lady, Dr. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández.  Excitement and momentum continued over entire show.

The first day of the show was open only for trade buyers, who were given the opportunity to interact with artisans one on one. Mark Fangue and Liz Allen, buyers of Exotic World Gifts, raved about their experience, “We love the variety, between the necklaces and the tapestries. All were of very good quality.  The silver products were extraordinary. We love being here it is a great event and look forward next year.” 

Providing much more than a selection of high quality handcrafted artisan products, Design Caribbean offered an environment of celebration and immersion in the Caribbean culture. This event hosted a small film festival of various Caribbean films including the Jamaican film, Ghett’A Life – winner of the Best Pitch Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Design Caribbean was privileged to have the attendance of the film’s lead actor, Christopher McFarlane, as well as the filmmaker Justine Henzell.

Design Caribbean also featured a music concert, Many Rythms: One People, featuring a wonderful collection of artists from the region including Alison Hinds, Roldan, Xiomara Fortuna, Onika Best, Belo, Carrot Jarrett and L’Acadco.  Not only did these musicians perform and keep the audience moving to their rhythms well into the early hours of the morning, but they also visited the children’s home, Casa Rosada, in Dominican Republic to entertain the younger audiences.

As well, Design Caribbean sponsored a bus that enabled the children of Le Casa Rosada, an orphanage for children living with AIDS, to “Come and Celebrate the Beautiful,” with the musicians and Caribbean Export team at the Design Fair.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export, is thoroughly committed to the success of the Caribbean creative industries in the world marketplace.  Throughout Design Caribbean, exhibitors were encouraged to attend business boot camps. These seminars ranged from talks on motivational Caribbean branding to explicit how-to details, such as how to compete online, presented by one of our sponsors, Global Directories, Caribbean’s Yellow Pages.

The final day of the show concluded with the Design Awards ceremony.  The Design Prize aims to highlight the best designs and design-oriented products at the show. It is a celebration of innovation, design and creativity as sponsored by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Caribbean Export.  Winners received a cash prize, a booth at the Design Caribbean 2012, and the marketing support to assist them to elevate and grow their businesses over the next year.

A prominent panel of four judges selected the winners.  Cindy Bowden, lead judge, is the President of the World Craft Council of North America, one of the 5 hemispheres represented in the World Craft Council. Jenny Polanco, Dominican fashion designer with over thirty years of professional experience in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Paris and New York. Kenneth Montague, Toronto based art collector, and founder and director of Wedge Curatorial Projects and Milo D. Pickney of Yellow Lama.

The prizes were awarded as follows:

 1^st Prize – Ms. Ichia Tiyi
Tiyi By Design, is an exclusive Caribbean brand from Barbados, producing exquisite, hand crafted art jewelry.

2^nd Prize – Atelier Doré
Modern Surinamese-designed jewelry hand crafted from silver.

Best Collection – New Caribbean Design
New Caribbean Design represents a group of artisans that work in collaboration, and weave together elements of craft production, community development and modern design.
 
Best Young Designer  – Mrs. Kirie Ishmael
As part of the University of West Indies group, she displayed a Scarlet Ibis inspired ceramic jewelry collection.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton said, “Congratulations to our winners and our team, exhibitors who participated, and the buyers who purchased and supported the creative industries.  Craft and creative industries are to be truly celebrated. It is a way to share expression not only in creation but also in visual enjoyment. The artisans who are committed to the quality and sustainability or our culture have adapted these traditions to appeal to the contemporary international marketplace.  It is truly a celebration of the beautiful in craft, culture, music and people. ”

About Design Caribbean
Encapsulating the spirit of design to “celebrate the ‘beautiful” our event took place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from Sept. 1-4, 2011. Showcasing a broad product range of handmade quality products, it connected artists to buyers, and design enthusiasts from the Caribbean region, North America and Europe. 

For media inquiries or to contact a spokesperson for an interview, please contact:                                     

Renae Quinton
Email: [email protected]        
Phone:   1 246 262 4222 (Barbados)
www.designcaribbean.com     www.facebook.com /DesignCaribbean  

CaribPR Wire, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Fri. July 1, 2011: Caribbean Export is in the final throws of producing, Design Caribbean, a trade show, that will highlight the region’s natural ability, energy and flair.  After extensive evaluation, Caribbean Export is pleased and excited to announce that it has chosen the artisans who will be displaying their handcrafted and unique products from September 1-4, 2011, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Exhibitors taking part in the show will have the opportunity to be selected as an award winner. The International Trade Centre has sponsored the Design Awards for Design Caribbean.   All exhibitors have passed through a screening process to ensure superior product and quality is displayed at the trade fair. From these selected exhibitors, a design panel will reward the best design according to form, functional and emotional aspects of the product. Three winners will be selected from all of the represented sectors and each category winner will be given a certificate and trophy. All of the products have to reflect the exuberant nature and ability of the Caribbean people as the exhibitors seek to appeal to boutique owners looking for that something special to inspire and capture the imagination.

Overall prize winners will then be selected from the category winners and announced on the last day of the Design Caribbean show. The first prize winner will receive $5,500 U.S dollars; second prize $3,500 U.S dollars and third place a cheque for $2,000 U.S dollars. Alongside the cash prizes the winners will also receive a free booth at Design Caribbean 2012.

Caribbean Export will also promote the winner through business networking, marketing and communication initiatives to a wider range of buyers for their existing products. The competition is sponsored by the ITC, International Trade Centre.

Buyers attending this will see products from a range of sectors including ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, specialty foods and leather goods that are synonymous with the beauty and richness of the Caribbean will be on display from artists inspired by their stunning island surroundings, culture and history.

Taking place in the Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo, Design Caribbean will be conveniently located at Hotel El Embajador, an impressive indoor and outdoor location, ideal for a trade show as it allows exhibitors the room to display their products and attendees the space to walk around and enjoy the beautiful design.

Retail and hotel buyers looking for outstanding handcrafted, passionately made, one-of-a-kind quality products should be sure not to miss Design Caribbean, come celebrate the beautiful, September 1 – 4, 2011 in Santo Domingo, Dominion Republic. Register at www.designcaribbean.com.

CaribPR Wire, Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, May 16, 2011: Following three years of intensive preparation and planning, the first newly branded show – DESIGN CARIBBEAN – is now officially launched in Dominican Republic.  Design Caribbean is a trade show (to be held in Dominican Republic September 1–4) for artisans in the region who are export ready and able to produce uniquely designed, hand crafted superior quality merchandise.

In honour of the launch, His Excellency, Domingo Jimenez, Secretary of State and National Authorizing Officer for the EDF, Director General for Mutilateral Cooperation gave an inspiring speech welcoming the trade show and its artisans to a wealth of global opportunities.  As well, musical artists Shaggy and Alison Hinds endorsed the show and its benefits for regional artisans. They treated the audience to a sensational concert.

 “We are very excited about Design Caribbean – a key part of the broader effort to help artisans, designers and other talented people of the region to access the international marketplace,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

 “Covering many creative industries – design, art, film, music – the show will be a true celebration of the region’s innovation and originality.  So much more than just about bringing together buyers and sellers, Design Caribbean will highlight the ‘best of the best’ and provide education and vital exposure for the region’s artisans.”

 All artisans engaged in art and design in the Caribbean region are eligible to participate in the Design Caribbean trade show.  Over the past few months, many hopeful participants have undergone a screening procedure to ensure that the ‘best of the best’ artisans get to take part.

 Product buyers can expect to see diverse products including ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, spa and wellness items, specialty foods and leather goods. A number of cash awards and incentives will be awarded in each category.  For more information, please visit

 www.designcaribbean.com  or

 www.facebook.com/DesignCaribbean.

 The city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was selected as the first location to host the first newly-branded Design Caribbean show because it boasts a large population of 10 million people, with four million residing in the city centre of Santo Domingo, where the trade fair will be held.  

 Design Caribbean 2011 is sponsored by ITC – International Trade Commission, European Union, FedEx, Abordage and American Airlines.

 About Design Caribbean

Inspired by the passion and talent of both distinguished and aspiring artists, Design Caribbean brings the region’s finest handmade designs and innovative products onto the world stage.  Encapsulating the spirit of design to ‘celebrate the beautiful’ our event takes place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from Sept. 1-4, 2011. Showcasing a broad product range of handmade quality products, it will connect artists to buyers, and design enthusiasts from the Caribbean region, North America and Europe.  Design Caribbean visitors will come away with a true sense of the diversity and splendour that breathes vibrancy into the Caribbean region.

 Design Caribbean is organized by Caribbean Export, a trade and promotion organization with 15 state regions, whose mandate is to ‘take Caribbean excellence to the world’.

CaribPR Wire, Bridgetown, Barbados, Tues. April 26, 2011: Artisans have been invited to exhibit their products at the region’s foremost trade show, Design Caribbean, offering unique access to important regional and international buyers, in addition to massive market opportunities presented in Dominican Republic with a population of 10 million people.

Artisan Sign-up Details

Over the past month we have had an outstanding response from artisans in the Caribbean anxious to be part of the upcoming Design Caribbean trade fair in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 

All artisans engaged in art and design in the Caribbean region are eligible to participate in the Design Caribbean trade show. We are seeking quality products from diverse creative specialties including but not limited to ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, spa and wellness items, specialty foods and leather goods. A number of cash awards and incentives will be awarded in each category.  For participation criteria and sign up details, please  email [email protected] or visitwww.designcaribbean.com for application forms. Information can also be gathered at www.facebook.com/DesignCaribbean.

Design Caribbean Details

From September 1-4, 2011 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Design Caribbean will unite a passion for design with the soul of the Caribbean. All products on display will have been vetted for excellence.

In Barbados during the official launch of the 10^th European Development Fund (EDF), attendees were given the first sneak peek of some of the exciting product that will be part of the upcoming fair.  Alongside the main trade fair, Design Caribbean, there will be many related events including a major musical event, a film programme, the remarkable rums experience, a specialty tea tent, spa and wellness as well as a fashion show. Participating artisans will also have the opportunity to attend a number of product and market development workshops on hot topics such as intellectual property rights, growing a business and accessing foreign markets.

As noted at the 10^th EDF launch by Her Excellency Ambassador Rosalyn E. Hazelle, Chairperson Caribbean Export, “Design Caribbean is an opportunity for exhibitors to bring their uniquely designed projects to a targeted regional and international audience that will assist these artisans in growing their businesses to continue to provide new sustainable opportunities.”

CaribPR Wire, Barbados, March 2, 2011: Artisans from the Caribbean region are invited to exhibit their products at the region’s foremost trade show, Design Caribbean, which offers unique access to important regional, international and diaspora buyers.

From September 1-4, 2011 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Design Caribbean will unite a passion for design with the soul of the Caribbean. All products are vetted for excellence so only the best of the region will be on show. Alongside the main trade fair, there will be many related events including a major musical event, a film programme, spa and wellness and a fashion show. Participating artisans will also attend a number of product and market development workshops on hot topics such as copyright, growing a business and accessing foreign markets.

Design Caribbean will attract buyers from North America, Europe and the Caribbean region. This year promises to be a notable event that no artisan should miss. If you want your products to reach a global marketplace, please register your interest immediately as places are limited.

Artisan Sign-up Details

All artisans engaged in design in the Caribbean region are eligible to participate in the Design Caribbean trade show. We are seeking products from diverse creative specialties including but not limited to ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, spa and wellness items and leather goods. In addition, there will a number of cash awards and incentives for winning various design categories.  For participation criteria and sign up details, please email  [email protected].

Sharing the Caribbean Experience

“Design Caribbean is an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to experience the Caribbean, where all cultures collide to create something beautiful,” says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), organisers of the event. Participants will leave the show inspired and invigorated by the creative splendor of the Caribbean and new business insight.

Ms. Coke Hamilton believes that Caribbean Design operates within a unique environment where “every race, culture and creed has been able to create a truly genuine melting pot of racial, religious and ethnic blending, which has now become the foundation of the Caribbean identity and culture. This region is the only one where anyone can land and immediately fit in without fear of exclusion or isolation. We merge all the varying aspects of our differing ethnic backgrounds to create a spirit, which is uniquely and quintessentially Caribbean. This spirit is captured and reflected in the originality, boldness and inherent creativity that mirror the experience of those who landed on our shores from disparate parts of the globe. The Caribbean soul is, without apology, dynamic, vibrant and intrinsically beautiful. This is Design Caribbean.”

About Design Caribbean
Inspired by the passion and talent of both distinguished and aspiring artists, Design Caribbean brings the region’s finest handmade designs and innovative products onto the world stage.

Encapsulating the spirit of design to celebrate the ‘beautiful,’ our event takes place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from Sept. 1-4, 2011. Showcasing a broad product range of handmade quality products, it will connect artists to buyers, and design enthusiasts from the Caribbean region, North America and Europe.  Design Caribbean visitors will come away with a true sense of the diversity and splendor that breathes vibrancy into the Caribbean region.

Design Caribbean is organized by Caribbean Export, a trade and promotion organization with 15 member regions, whose mandate is to “take Caribbean excellence to the world.”

For media inquiries or to contact a spokesperson for an interview, please contact:                                     

Quentin T. Baldwin
Email: [email protected]       
Phone:   1 246 436 0578  (Barbados)

Caribbean Export Head Office
Mutual Building, Hastings Main Road
Christ Church, BB15154
BARBADOS