Innovation PEI is hosting its eleventh annual Craft and Giftware Buyers’ Market today and tomorrow says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
“This government is committed to supporting the economic development of the Prince Edward Island through continued support to the Island’s craft sector – a sector that is found in each village and town across our One Island Community from North Cape to East Point,” said Minister Campbell. “They work to tell our Island’s story through quality craft and giftware. This event provides Island artists and artisans with a professional venue to build relationships with registered retailers from the region.”
Held at the Charlottetown Civic Centre Friday and Saturday, The 2011 Craft and Giftware Buyers’ Market is a wholesale trade show for craft and giftware producers from the province, and retailers from Atlantic Canada. Crafters and giftware producers display their products at over 50 different exhibits as over 50 registered retailers browse for their favourite items to purchase for sale in their shops throughout 2011.
The market displays a wide range of colours, and materials made into unique pieces from pottery and woodwork to knitwear and hand crafted accessories.
“The Buyers’ Market is a celebration of our Island Culture and the Atlantic region’s culture,” said Minister Campbell.”It is a two-day event that saves Island crafters and retailers time and money. Instead of traveling around the region to develop sales relationships, they can do so over just two days.”
The pre-registration process helps ensure the most fitting retailers are available to work with our craft sector and display our high quality Island made products.
“This is an important event for retailers as well as our craft sector as we prepare for the upcoming tourism season,” said Minister Campbell. ”The craft and giftware industry adds unique value to our tourism and cultural industries while providing employment across our One Island community,” said Minister Campbell.
Innovation PEI supports the Island craft sector through programs and services such as the Winter Production Financing Program which helps provide capital for small businesses to produce product over the slower months in preparation for the busier parts of the calendar year. Innovation PEI is involved in other events that are integral to the development of the craft sector in Prince Edward Island such as the PEI Small Business Week, the Atlantic Craft Trade Show, the Studio Tour, and craft workshops and fairs.
For more information visit www.innovationpei.com.
About Innovation PEI
Innovation PEI is a crown agency reporting to the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning. Innovation PEI is focused on advancing economic development in Prince Edward Island by investing in people, innovation, and strategic infrastructure. Though the Island Prosperity Strategy, four key sectors have been identified for high potential for economic growth within the province including information and communications technology, bioscience, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, and aerospace. Innovation PEI strives to assist the rapid development of these sectors and to drive the Island economy through innovative new products and services.