Cebu artists, DTI to officially launch Creative Cebu Council

CEBU, Philippines – In its bid to make Cebu as the ultimate "creative capital" in the Philippines, Cebu creative stakeholders in cooperation with the government will formally launch the Creative Cebu Council.

The Creative Cebu Council headed by Campaigns and Ads general manager Zen Pastoriza, will be formally launched soon, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Creative Cebu Council, a non-profit organization, is an alliance of artists and creative entrepreneurs who have bonded together to promote, develop and champion the creative industries sector in Cebu.

It was initially formed following the recognition of Cebu by the British Council Philippines as a Creative City and DTI-Cebu's inclusion of the creative industries among the priority sectors for growth and development.

The Council aims to serve as an umbrella organization for the various creative industries in Cebu, with council members representing Literature, Visual arts, Theatre, Music, Fashion design, Architecture, Advertising and Design, Multimedia, Photography and Film.

The primary orientation of the council is toward promoting creative entrepreneurship and enabling the full potential of each of the creative sectors. The ultimate goal of Creative Cebu is to establish Cebu as the creative capital of the Philippines.

Following the declaration of British Council in naming Cebu as the "Creative City" in the Philippines, DTI-Cebu provincial office director Nelia F. Navarro said the province has to step-up in professionalizing the industry, and achieve its dream as the legitimate design capital in the Philippines, or in Asia.

"We are still getting to know the people in the creative industry," Navarro said adding that if the creative industry in Cebu can have its own group, like the establishment of the Creative Council, it is easier for them to get support not only from the Philippine government, but also from other countries.

By creating the Creative Cebu Council, Navarro said artists, or creative people will be able to learn the ropes of playing in the international market, and at the same time constantly upgrading their talents.

Andrew Senior, head for creative economy unit of the British Council, earlier suggested that Cebu should maximize its creative industry and make it one of the economic drivers for the province.

Development of creative entrepreneurs is very important for Cebu, otherwise, it will lose its "golden" opportunity to capture the dynamic demand for creative talents around the world. (FREEMAN)