The craft, skill and genuine talent of Barbadian entrepreneurs were on full display on Saturday as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) hosted a Bridgetown Market pop-up at Golden Square Freedom Park in The City.
Jewellery, pottery, paintings and clothing crafted by many of this island’s local artists and designers captured the eye of patrons, many of whom were not deterred by the intermittent showers.
Now in its second year, the event is being lauded by both vendors and patrons alike.
Founder and Chairman of the Deaf Heart Project Che Greenidge commended the NCF for the event, noting that it gave many deaf persons the opportunity to show off their artistic expertise in several areas.
“It is about being visible and letting people in the community see that there are deaf people here in Barbados and they are more than capable of doing everything they set their minds to…Everything here is handmade and we promote a lot of sustainability as well,” she said, pointing out the crocheted bags, jewellery and vases made by the group.
Cordelia Deon also commended the decision to hold the pop-ups, saying it gave her more time to showcase her line of natural skin care products.
“I think it is a good initiative because a lot of people were saying Bridgetown is kind of dead and having something like this brings life to it and it is a warm-up for Crop-Over,” she stated.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Producer of Bridgetown Market and Senior Business Development Officer with the National Cultural Foundation Andre Hoyte said while many Barbadians had patronised the event, visitors especially had been showing up in numbers to attend the pop-up.
“We have over 33 artisans today, and they all seem to be doing well…We also have workshop segments in pottery, traditional sweet making, basketry, and how to play warri and there are heritage displays,” he said.
While unable to say whether the pop-ups will become a staple on the Crop-Over Calendar going forward, he stated the events have allowed the entrepreneurs to get a longer bite of the festival, allowing them to also display their wares on Bridgetown Market from August 5-7 and then return to Golden Square to do a last lap on August 12.
“So they get a wider chance to sell 100 per cent Barbadian locally made products in home and accents, in cosmetics, in spa and wellness, in food. They are all Barbadian businesses, and they are all doing very well. A lot of them came out of the COVID experience and are looking to grow their market share, and what better place to do it than the festival when there are not only Barbadians who come out to shop, but visitors,” he stated.
He stated that the initiative was also focused on bringing back life to The City and the NCF in partnership with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce had been successful in encouraging stores to extend their shopping hours later this evening. (JB)
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