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Cape Town - Fifteen local designers are in Paris to exhibit their products at the Maison et Objet show, which runs from 2 to 6 September.
The programme is part of the Cape Craft + Design Institute's (CCDI's) support for small businesses. The CCDI has partnered with the department of trade and industry (dti) and Source, an agency which promotes South African design in the international marketplace.
The dti, which has made it possible for the participation of the South African producers at Maison et Objet, has been responsible for the selection criteria for choosing the enterprises that participate in these market access platforms. These include the length of time a producer has been in business and whether their paper work is in order.
"An important factor for us when choosing businesses for this show is their readiness and potential to trade internationally," said Fran Stewart, market support programme manager at CCDI.
According to Stewart, Source has a well-established network of buyers and excellent distribution systems. He said the CCDI partnership with Source has the potential to open up significant opportunities for their members to really gain traction in the international market.
"Our developmental agenda is complementary to the more commercial push of Source, with CCDI supporting the gearing up of businesses to be able to trade in the international arena," Stewart said.
Among the South African exhibitors in Paris are:
Master Wires Bead Craft specialises in providing high quality bead and wire products and African curios to both the local and international market.
Sam Sithole's Sunshine Crafts, based at the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront specialises in making trophy heads and animal sculptures made from recycled car parts and scrap metal.
Imiso Gallery, based located in Woodstock is known for their handmade ceramic pieces and tableware. Their distinctly African designs with a futuristic edge draw inspiration from a mix of urban culture, local traditions and nature.
ONEOFEACH, based in Buitenkant Street and at the Watershed designs contemporary and functional handbags using leather and wax-print fabrics which are sourced from different regions of Africa to create a contemporary high-end fashion product.
Fani Ceramics of Madoda Fani, based in Johannesburg, designs decorative clay pots and vessels.
Art in the Forest, based in Constantia and at the Watershed) showcases the best of Southern African contemporary ceramics, including their studio line ‘Forestware’. Art in the Forest is a social enterprise with one of its key missions being mentorship of young and emerging artists.
Potter’s Workshop, based Muizenburg, is a creative team of twenty three people, each one coming from varied backgrounds to produce functional unique works of African-designed ceramics.
As a craft and design sector development agency the CCDI Market Support programme assists emerging businesses by facilitating market opportunities such as local and international consumer and trade events, craft markets, pop-up stores at conferences and shows, as well as inward and outward-bound trade missions.
For more on CCDI or to register on their database, visit their website here.
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