The Tropical Futures Forum will be a learning opportunity for the players from the creative sector, says Nanette Arbon (left), assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry. | Irene Sino Cruz
CEBU CITY, Philippines–With only a few years left before call center disruption occurs, Cebu and the rest of the Philippines need to develop the creative sector as a protection against this occurrence.
Chris John Fuusner, director of 856 Gallery and founder of Tropical Futures Institute, explained that there are a lot of creative people in Cebu.
However, he noted the lack of appreciation on the economic value of their work.
Fuusner cited the need for awareness among those who have spaces to make these available for creative work. He said that his gallery used to focus only on paintings but it has now expanded to include other creative products.
Recently, the gallery was host to a Zine Fest, which enabled aspiring authors to sell their own magazines, Fussner said.
Other business owners could also allow the use of their spaces for creative works, he added.
Mark Deutsch, creative director for Happy Garaje Design Studio Co. and founder of Tropical Futures Institute, said the creative sector could also share their talents with the community, while earning income.
To create awareness about this concept, Deutsch said they decided to hold Tropical Futures forum where artists and designers from all over the world will talk about how creativity and design can help make cities and communities better.
The forum, which will be held during the Cebu Design Week, will feature 15 award-winning and world-class speakers.
“Most of it is about people’s work that has a lot of do-it-yourself spirit,” Deutsch said.
Assistant Regional Director Nanette Arbon of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas (DTI-7) urged artist, designers, students and the academe to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Speakers from New York, Singapore, Manila, Tokyo, and of course Cebu will talk about their creative projects that address education, small and medium business challenges, film, art, and personal creative growth,” Arbon said.
The forum will also feature a film screening of the movie Kusama: Infinity from this year’s Design Festival, a portfolio review by Dan Matutina and Plus 63; and an all-women graphic design exhibit curated by graphic designer Dang Sering.
Matutina received the Art Directors Club Young Guns Award in New York in 2013 while Sering is a graphic designer and visual artist. | dcb