National Arts & Crafts Fair 2024 to be held at SM Megamall from Oct. 23 to 27
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (OTOP) in collaboration with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda proudly announces the upcoming National Arts & Crafts Fair (NACF) 2024, to be held from Oct. 23-27, 2024, at the Megatrade Hall 1-3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
This year’s event will feature over 250 exhibitors from across the country, offering a diverse range of handcrafted and artisanal products that blend traditional Filipino craftsmanship with modern innovation.
The NACF 2024 is designed to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines while supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local artisans, and traditional communities. This event is a major platform for craftsmen and artisans from various regions to showcase their unique works, including textiles, home decor, fashion accessories, and heritage crafts.
A platform for empowerment and cultural preservation
This year’s NACF will highlight the contributions of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), which are community-managed centers that preserve traditional craftsmanship. By spotlighting indigenous and rural artisans, the fair helps to support sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage. Visitors can expect to see unique products created using time-honored techniques from communities across the Philippines, including handwoven textiles, carved woodworks, and intricate beadwork.
Fusing tradition and modernity
The fair will also feature innovative creations that fuse Filipino traditions with contemporary design, catering to modern tastes. These new collections include fashion and home decor, showcasing how Filipino artisans are evolving their crafts to stay relevant in today’s global market.
Championing cultural preservation
A strong advocate for cultural and livelihood programs, Senator Loren Legarda plays a pivotal role in supporting the National Arts & Crafts Fair. The Office of Senator Legarda has been instrumental in providing key legislative support to ensure that Filipino traditional artisans and the MSME sector receive the necessary funding and resources to thrive. Through her efforts, programs such as the Assistance to Filipino Artisans and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are being implemented, ensuring that traditional crafts and cultural heritage remain integral to the nation’s development agenda.
Government support for Filipino artisans and MSMEs
The NACF 2024 is supported by a range of government agencies and institutions that work closely with artisans to help them grow their businesses. These include partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other industry partners who provide essential services such as product development, design innovation, and intellectual property protection. Government-backed programs such as the DOST’s CEST Community Empowerment through Science and Technology and DOST-PTRI Textile Empowerment initiatives will also be featured, offering visitors a glimpse into how technology is helping to elevate traditional craftsmanship.
Sustaining Filipino arts and crafts for future generations
In addition to the selling activities of exhibitors, the NACF will feature workshops and live demonstrations to help educate the public about the importance of preserving Filipino arts and crafts. With a focus on sustainability, the event aims to inspire the next generation of artisans and consumers to support local crafts and ensure that traditional techniques are passed down for years to come.
The National Arts & Crafts Fair 2024 promises to be an exciting event where visitors can experience the beauty and diversity of Filipino craftsmanship while supporting local MSMEs. The fair will be open to the public from Oct. 23-27, 2024, at the Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall. Admission is free.
To know more about the 2024 National Arts and Crafts Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO), please follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X. You may also email BMDPO Director Marievic M. Bonoan at [email protected].
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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by BMDPO.