Challenging the Dominica Craft Industry

At DEXIA, my responsibilities have taken me to Barbados twice to participate in the Caribbean Gift and Craft Show (CGCS). This article attempts to provide a glimpse into this unique oasis of craft, culture, entrepreneurialism and opportunity. The CGCS is the region’s only cultural product that has not been diluted or compromised to meet the commercial FAT COW (yet). It is now increasingly evident to me that the failure of the show's reputation is not an organizer's inefficiency, but a public loss of cultural identity and exhibitor willingness to truly harness indigenous resources and take it to the next level.

The Caribbean needs to be reminded, re-cultured and re-introduced to its entire craft heritage. It’s this heritage that brings an audience of millions to the region, who care very little about product and more about the un-chartered experience of the Caribbean frontier. The rediscovery of this new world (old to us, new to them) means every visitor is a relic hunter, who is disappointed in finding the exact same souvenir/craft replica their cousin bought in Chinatown at US $10 cheaper than what’s offered locally in our shops. Centering Craft as an entrepreneurial enterprise and the perfect décor, fashion and “in thing” accessory among youth is an almost impossible task, especially when bombarded with episodes of a "bling bling" culture.

Can Caribbean craft keep it's identity? The onslaught of globalization will fashion unique cultural parchments into generic items (of very similar look, taste and feel) in efforts to meet competitive forces that drive perception of superior and inferior goods. The tasks ahead are; stimulate the Craft Artisan, educate a brand fueled market, and be radically creative with tomorrow's art.

A visitor’s attraction and extended stay at the Carib Booth (KALINAGO: funded by DEXIA, Carib Artisans participate and represent their culture and Dominica’s craft industry) is not as a result of uniquely hand crafted traditional baskets. That surprise and excitement was extinguished since Dominica’s first year of participation in the CGCS. The glue to the Carib Booth is the cultural atmosphere of experiences (that can be heard and seen. And taking it a step further with full participative activities; dancing & singing, weaving and drum beating). Indeed, after such a display one’s interest in Carib Craft is immediately heightened.

If our indigenous Artisans expect to evoke a certain thrill about their craft then they need to ACCESSORISE their Craft. How do you accessorise a Carib Basket? You make it sexy, you make it vogue, and you make it be the most talked about item in the industry. Getting a Carib Basket on the fashion runways of Milan, Paris and New York is not so impossible anymore.

A “Creative Quest”, rethinking and experimenting with existing techniques and new materials; Carib Baskets woven from tradition and fused with polymers, leather, fabrics, fur, wood and precious metal is the only guarantee for a competitive and future sustainable strategy. Dominican, indigenous hand crafted, all natural, functional, fashion baskets should be the Gucci stamped bags right here at home. However, before portions of culture are forgotten because they’ve refused to evolve and reshape the cultural landscape, we must persist relentlessly to adapt craft efforts to be fashionable.

For Caribbean Export (CGCS organizers), the vision of CGCS needs to transcend its buy and sell limitations if it is to appeal successfully to an island’s public (especially youth). Dutch, French, Spanish and English craft is about experiences, the storyline and not a cold fictitious booth rammed with products. Dominica's indigenous cultural ambassadors - "The Caribs'" presence and last year’s (2005) impressive Curaçao presence emphasizes, the activity and cultural sampling dimension that is often taken for granted. Certainly, the future of CGCS is being able to bring a cultural show to any part of the world, and allow buyer and public to indulge their full senses and all their monies.

I really should have included this bit earlier on, but it just sounded so boring. “CGCS primary objective is to promote and market indigenous handcrafted products and gift items, all authentic products of the Caribbean, to regional and international buyers”. So CGCS 2007 (September 27-30, 2007) is already knocking. I felt it necessary to add some spice to what CGCS show is: “Truly experience the exciting, rich, and delightful cultures of the Caribbean. Sample and own pieces of..” Okay, I am doing a poor job here, It sounds like a holiday or carnival advert. But, you get my point right?