The craftsmanship of Negrense artisans were a highlight at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany recently, as bamboo furniture from a cooperative in Dauin, Negros Oriental, were featured in the Philippine Pavilion.
Dauin-based Kayawan Collective Agriculture Cooperative was tapped to fabricate the seating for the country’s pavilion to host presentations, panels, and discussions from Oct. 15 to 19.
They were designed by Stanley Ruiz.
The bamboo pieces were sourced from farmers and harvesters in the mountains of Negros Island and carefully crafted by Kawayan Collective’s team of artisans, representing the labor and artistry of over 60 Filipinos, from farmers to furniture makers.
In a statement, Kawayan Collective said that they are proud of bringing Filipino bamboo craftsmanship to the global stage, made possible through collaboration with the designer and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
“This is Filipino craft and sustainability in action,” the group said, adding that every project supports community livelihood.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is hailed as the biggest book fair in the world and on it’s 77th year, the Philippines was the guest of honor.*