Western Cape boasts four new craft and design Icons
Four leading craft producers were named Western Cape Craft Icons last night (Thursday 24 November) by the Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI), at an event to mark its tenth anniversary.
(L to R) CCDI executive director Erica Elk, master wood turner Bert Parker, ceramicist Lisa Firer, metalsmith Nic Bladen, and CCDI chairperson Bert Verveckken.
Seen celebrating are (left to right) CCDI executive director Erica Elk, master wood turner Bert Parker, ceramicist Lisa Firer, metalsmith Nic Bladen, and CCDI chairperson Bert Verveckken. (Bead and wire worker Bishop Tarambawamwe, currently attending a trade show in India, was named the fourth Icon.) To date, 57 people have been named craft Icons (in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2011).
The CCDI established the Icons project in order to honour Western Cape craft producers and designer makers who have excelled as designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, job creators, role models, trendsetters and leaders.
The CCDI was set up in 2001 in a joint initiative by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the Western Cape Provincial Government. From 63 enterprises on its database ten years ago, it has grown to some 2500 enterprises that employ about 10 000 people.
It has facilitated nearly R17-million in product sales for Western Cape craft producers and designer makers in the past decade. (R16 849 528 by year-end 2010/11) Craft producers have taken up over 2750 places at 169 trade and consumer shows, where the CCDI has won 28 awards for both turnover and the stylish appearance of its stands.
Issued by: Judy Bryant Communications
On behalf of: The Cape Craft and Design Institute
Contact: judybryant@telkomsa.net |0832867168
CCDI communications manager Marjorie Naidoo 021 4611488
marjorie.naidoo@ccdi.org.za
