RESCUING PINIKAS ART
We support traditional knowledge and handcrafts.
Pinikas Art represents the culture and tradition of Camiguin. And given the increase of tourism in the island, they represent an opportunity too. By supporting local artisans and making their products available to tourist and visitors, we strengthen the local cultural identity while ensure a fair benefit for them.
What´s the
Need
Pinikas is a traditional Camiguin Island weaving art which uses nito, a local vine. The art originates in the high mountains of the Island, from where it was verbally passed on from generation to generation for centuries. Sadly, is under threat of extinction for a number of reasons. First, it is part of the highland traditions which locally implies that this form of knowledge has been silenced and marginalized all along the history of the island. Secondly, because the profit of Pinikas art handcrafts cannot today sustain the basic needs of the craftsmen. That explains why there very few artisans and the art remain almost invisible.
What´s the
Response
We have first produced marketing materials (booklets, posters, products inventory) to inform tourist spots and private sector of the existence of this traditional art. We trigger their interest, collect their orders, follow up and supervise the production at the artisans workshops and finally display the handcrafts.
Results
We have been able to increase the profit of the artisans by 3 times. By increasing the profit, we have scaled up the production of Pinikas art and therefore raised attention among the locals towards Pinikas art as an income generating activity. We expect to create soon a school/workshop/store and market the products out of the country as a way to ensure the survival of the art.
