Why Afrika Handmade?
Developed as an activity under our market development program, Afrika Handmade is a 2 day symposium that seeks to generate visibility for the contemporary craft and design sector, with the desired outcome of new market opportunities, especially within Kenya and Africa at large.
The need to create visbility is informed by research that points to the scant knowledge of contemporary craft designers by potential consumers at the local and regional market.
For example, mention the word ‘craft’ and the first thing that comes to mind is women spread out across an open-air ‘maasai’ market, creating and haggling to sell cheap mass produced souvenirs to tourists.
While this is indeed a reality of the craft sector, there has been the emergence of a new craft – a contemporary genre that challenges the narrow definition associated with the market scenario.
This genre employs skilled craftsmanship- combining distinctly African elements with modern design trends to create items that are innovative, unique and that answer to global market demands.
Afrika Handmade aims to put this exciting new genre on a pedestal.
What can you expect at Afrika Handmade?
By hosting this event, we are setting the trend in more ways than one. We are looking to create the most informative, dynamic and engaging event of the year for the craft & design sector. We want to create an opportunity for you to interact with some of the biggest and most influential players in Kenya’s and by large Africa’s contemporary craft & design space.
Through panel presentations, mini workshops, open spaces and one-on-one mentorship sessions, a diverse number of speakers will engage on a wide range of topics including how to tap into domestic and regional markets, impacting communities through social enterprise, current market trends, copyright and much more.
Equally important are the social networking events planned each end of day. Featuring some of Kenya’s best live performances, these informal sessions will undoubtedly be a hit with many of our guests!
Who is the target audience?
- Sole and community based makers of high quality, contemporary handmade goods
- Design students
- Online and offline media focusing on African art, design, culture
- Fashion and lifestyle columnists and bloggers
- Market platforms including gift shops, craft fairs, online retail stores
- Government agencies that enable the craft industry
- Auxiliary support industries including photographers, web designers, suppliers, intellectual property advocates, interior decorators, event organizers, fashion stylists
When and where is the event?
2-3October 2014 are the dates to remember. The venue will be at the Jacaranda Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
Other dates to remember:
*Soft launch of Afrika Handmade: 14August, 2-5pm at Shalom House
*Registration opens: 1June 2014
*Registration closes: 15September 2014
How much is it to attend?
*Soft launch: Free
*Registration for Kenya & EA delegates: 8,500 Kenya Shillings or USD100
*Registration for rest of Africa & international delegates: 17,000 Kenya Shillings or USD 200
This fee entitles you to all symposium activities, conference material and full course meals.
What are the registration details?
*To register physically, you may pick up the forms from our Shalom House office from where you will be issued a receipt for the payment.
*To register by Mpesa, send the amount to 0719 596 438. Email the transaction code to craft@craftafrika.org and we will send you an electronic receipt.
*If you would like to reserve your seat but dont have all the funds, we are offering a 2 part payment plan; half before the 15th September deadline, other half by 30 September. Please note that we will not accept any payments after 30th September 2014.