‘Artists need avenues to thrive’

CEBU’s creative economy needs more push to take its full potential and bring its creative talents into the mainstream.

Maria Elena Arbon, assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7, said the industry should continue to create opportunities where Cebuano creatives can network and work together.

“This is a big step towards making Cebu the creative capital of the Philippines,” Arbon said at the Tropical Futures Forum Friday, Sept. 13, 2019.

The forum, which is one of the Cebu Design Week events, featured creatives from Singapore, Tokyo, New York, Manila and Cebu who brought ideas about how to take advantage of the creative talents and bring out their economic potential.

Organizers were eyeing to hold the event annually, which should hopefully become “the seed that will sprout many various art and community-related activities” in the future, said Cebuano creative Mark Deutsch, co-founder of Happy Garaje and one of the organizers.

Chris Fuusner, co-founder of the forum, pointed out the need to create avenues where local artists can share ideas and work together.

“We want to have activities of this nature that are able to challenge and inspire local artists and designers to take risks, do meaningful activities, collaborate and help their community,” he said.

Arbon stressed that efforts to elevate Cebu’s standing in the creative scene must continue, citing its fertile reputation as a source of world-class quality furniture, for instance.

“The good thing in Cebu is that the community has the drive already,” the DTI official said.

The creative sector, if supported well, can become a key engine for innovation and economic growth, Arbon said, citing Cebu’s established community of designers and artists.

While supporting traditional business, the DTI 7 is also now refocusing its support to digital-driven businesses, including creative ventures.

“We continue to push for innovation among our businesses,” Arbon said.

Businesses that belong to the creative industry include design, fashion, furniture, advertising, film, animation, software and publishing. (CSL)