1st AHPADA International Crafts Expo in the Philippines

From 22-11-2007   to   25-11-2007
 (Manila - Philippines) 

The ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) exhibition features country and regional pavilions for Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Asia Ocean and the Americas.

This exhibit showcases the unique arts and crafts reflecting the countries' cultural heritage and their strong potential in the international market. A special section displays the UNESCO-AHPADA Seal of Excellence Award-winning crafts for 2007. The market area serves as a venue for participating countries to sell their arts and crafts to the public. Cultural events held from 22 to 25 November include craft demonstrations at the country and regional pavilions.

The Expo’s objectives:

• To promote and to bring about greater awareness of the importance of arts and crafts to a country’s cultural roots and economic development;
• To provide marketing opportunities for ASEAN artists, craftspeople and producers;
• To develop an international network for dialogue and information exchange on issues relevant to arts and crafts production, marketing, preservation and best practices;
• To nurture a spirit of cooperation and sharing between ASEAN artists, craftspeople and producers; and their counterparts in other part of the world;
• To celebrate and showcase arts and crafts from ASEAN and other countries in a special exhibition and festival.

Coinciding with the exhibition is a Business Forum (22–24 November) that provides an opportunity for participating countries to share knowledge and best practices. Arts and crafts experts, noted designers, artists, artisans and foreign buyers from around the world join as speakers and panelists. Participating in the forum are institutions and individuals either practicing their crafts or who are interested in the development of the arts and crafts industry.

The exhibition is organized by the AHPADA Philippines and is fully supported by the Philippine Government and by several private enterprises.