Artisans from across the country gathered at the Old Nausori Municipal Market to showcase their craftwork and market their products that ranged from traditional crafts and pottery, handmade jewelry, pot plants, western-inspired items and artifacts made from recycled items.
The First Lady, Madam Filomena Katonivere officially launched the National Craft Exhibition today (09.08.23) and encouraged local artisans to gain as much as exposure and empowerment as possible to make creative choices.
“Our women and our families have been economically empowered daily now more than ever, to make more strategic life choices, exercise control and provide more opportunities especially when they face difficult economic situations. Economic empowerment further enables women to be financially independent with the ability and the strength to influence and advocate for issues that affect them and their families.”
“I hope that the exposure gained in these five days will empower our artisans to make creative choices and provide new opportunities to explore new contemporary art forms they can diversify into and how to sustain and continue to improve the quality of artwork they produce and offer for sale,” Madam Katonivere stated.
The exhibition is organised by the Fiji Arts Council and is supported by the artisans and relevant stakeholders and sponsors. Artisans were also rewarded today for their creativity.
Madam Katonivere encouraged women groups, Soqosoqo vaka Marama, provincial offices, relevant Government Ministries, youth groups and stakeholders on the protection of Fiji’s craftsmanship and ensuring that proper platforms are provided to allow the transmission of traditional knowledge as it is now crucial more than ever.
“I wish to make a plea to the institutions responsible for creating policies and their respective implementation to protect our unique creativity and those that work in the culture, art, and heritage sector. We need to continue progressive dialogue focused on protection mechanisms for the culture and creative industry and implement them so that we are protecting this important sector within the wider scope of the tourism industry.
The 4-days exhibition will close on Saturday 12th August and members of the public are invited to have a glimpse of the talents and extraordinary craftsmanship the artisans have on display.