MANILA, Philippines– British Council Philippines, in partnership with sustainability communications company Muni, is digitally launching a report on Saturday, August 8. The report ‘Crafting futures — sustaining handloom weaving in the Philippines,’ reviews the state of handloom weaving and wider craft sector in the country.
Expected to be a valuable reference for artisans, designers, entrepreneurs and decision makers, the report delves into the influences that affect the perceived value of handloom weaving. Global trends like the circular economy, market, or personal circumstances of weavers who are mostly women and mothers, often affect its value. The study also found that some collaborations with designers and government agencies have kept culture at the forefront of the practice, allowing the skill and heritage to continue.
“The Philippines has a vibrant and diverse culture, reflected in its cultural heritage and emerging practices of artisans today,” says Pilar Aramayo-Prudencio, Country Director of the British Council in the Philippines. “While there are various reports on the wider craft industries in the Philippines, we identified a need for an updated study on handloom weaving given the sector’s motivations to reinvent and propel itself into the local and global craft scene.”
It further reveals that weaving is still able to significantly empower weavers as women, artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders and cultural agents. The report recommends continuous education, community investment and holistic interventions for the sector to thrive.
The launch kickstarts Crafting Futures, a global British Council initiative, in the Philippines in a sector heavily affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The program seeks to contribute to more sustainable and resilient societies through research, collaboration and new networks between the Philippines, UK, and the world.
Speaking on the program, Global Programme Manager of Crafting Futures Katia Stewart said, ‘The Crafting Futures programme is designed to celebrate the value of craft in our history, culture and in the world today…bringing together designers, craft practitioners in organisations from around the world to explore the possibilities for the future of craft.’
The report can be downloaded here. Interested parties may get in touch via arts@britishcouncil.org.ph
