Camboo
A design program to elevate the standards of bamboo artisans in Cambodia.
Jagadha Sivan from World of Good has helped this project, as a very helpful research and resources advisor. She also introduces me to know many different organizations that work with artisans’ communities. Jessie McComb, a programs & new business coordinator from Aid to Artisans, teaches me the whole business process of an oversea design program. I’m also currently working with Heang Sarim, an executive director from Cambodian NTFP Development Organization (CAN-DO), which is an organization works with rural communities of Cambodia live. Bamboo artisans from this organization are actually experiencing my new designs.
Although the Kingdom of Cambodia is rich in natural resources, decades of war and internal conflict have left it one of the world’s poorest countries. The pressures of a fast-growing population contribute to poverty. Because of a lack of education and skills training, people have low capabilities and inadequate employment opportunities. The cycle of poverty, ill health, and high health care costs cripple poor Cambodian families economically.
The Cambodian bamboo artisans from CANDO are producing traditional woven baskets and cotton fabric for local markets. By analyzing the possibilities of the existing materials and craftsmanship, I’m designing a line of products that elevate their existing work into lighting fixtures. The new designs production is providing them a new working experience from targeting local markets to global markets. By promoting their new work globally, this project will aid to grow their business and gain higher profits.
Components:
- A line of new designed lighting fixtures.
- An instruction menu to guide the artisans to build the new designs.
- Full scale drawings for artisans to refer.
- A printed silk screen with graphics, frame to be provided by artisans. (Directions included)
My mission is to
- improve the quality of life for struggling low-income families in Cambodia, by investigating the country’s available natural resources,
- create opportunities for the production of responsible design products to sell in the global marketplace,
- practice production and consumption in a more sustainable manner.
- educate consumers about the producers/artisans backgrounds
Since this project has been started with the artisans, so I really wish to promote the line of products to wholesalers/retailers and access the new market for CANDO. And I’ve been invited to visit their community, so I’d like to travel to Cambodia this summer.
