Colombo Design Market on Sunday

On Sunday the 25th Colombo will be treated to the second edition of the Colombo Design Market. With an overwhelmingly positive response to the launch in December, the Market provides a platform for local designers, artists, craftsmen and musicians to get out there, get noticed and promote themselves. Making a strong return, the market is an exciting community design initiative by a diverse group of young individuals with a passion for creativity. Expect a vibrant atmosphere where unique artwork, chic clothing, statement jewellery, vivid illustrations and fresh music all come together from 10am to 6pm, at the charming Laksala Museum Gallery Cafe. The Colombo Design Market aims to create a platform for young creatives and entrepreneurs to gain exposure, give due recognition to art and design as a substantial source of income and to build Sri Lanka's design identity. The well-known Saskia Fernando Hammoud, Anushka Wijesinha, Leah Marikkar, Danu Innasithamby and The Good Market act as mentors and advisors and serve to strengthen the support network for the design community. Strongly supported by Laksala, the Colombo Design Market is sponsored by Fairway Holdings, who is no stranger to supporting arts and music in Sri Lanka. It was only last November Fairway Holdings. presented Kenny G live in concert to an appreciative audience at Nelum Pokuna. When contacted, Mr Hemaka De Alwis, Chairman of Fairway Holdings commented “We truly appreciate the spirit of these young talented individuals who are trying to create a platform for the local artists to showcase their talents. At Fairway Holdings we are passionate about our work, and similarly towards art and culture. We are happy to support this initiative that will help bring out our local talent, which I believe, would help on the long run to nurture our local arts and culture. ” The market aspires to create a link between rural and urban artists and craftsmen. Through workshops and forums, the market ultimately aims to recognize opportunities to foster Arts and Crafts Island wide.Economist Anushka Wijesinha, who is also an Event Ambassador for the market says, "I'm a firm believer that as Sri Lanka economy attempts to move up the economic value chain, we must focus on growing the 'creative economy', and the Colombo Design Market will be an important contributor to this. The Market will help to reshape the narrative around the design and creative industry in Sri Lanka, especially on the job opportunities in this sector, and the contribution to the economy." Spend your Sunday browsing through dresses, printed shirts, intricate textures, knick knacks and much more while learning a thing or two from talks by experts in the design sector, Lee Bazelgatte and Pathum Egodawatte. The Couturist, Push Skateboards, DODO Footwear, Amanda and Feather Project are just some of the brands you can expect to see on sale at the eclectic market. Alifiya Mutaher, the founder of the Design Market, is keen to bring art and design to public spaces. "I love how design markets are always engaging and interactive. You feel a personal attachment to the artists you meet and their work you're supporting. We want to grow a community that supports design, educates and gives creativity a place to thrive, here in Colombo." The market gives you an ideal space to kick back and mingle with talented local artists who will be working their magic throughout the day. Get your hands dirty by reserving a canvas in advance for ‘Art in the Park’ and spend your evening painting on the Laksala lawns, marvel at the images captured by Reza Akram at our photographer's gallery and drop by the Design Station to get an instant design for that logo, poster, business card or illustration that you’ve been waiting to get. The diverse and dynamic line-up of performers throughout the day will include, among many others, the indie-folk and acoustic tunes of Asela Perera, spoken word artist Imaad Majeed, and hard rock band Salvage. The initiative is founded by Alifiya Mutaher and supported by Ryan Wijayaratne, Buddhima Kurukulasuriya, Munira Mutaher, Sarala Perera and Sugama Gopalkrishna. You can follow the event on Facebook for more event details and complete line-up at www.facebook.com/ColomboDesignMarket