Design Academy can contribute to the development of an authentic creative industry in Aruba
ORANJESTAD – Recently, Prime Minister Mike Eman visited Design Academy, where he took a tour to get a closer look at the training programs, facilities, and creative work developed by the students.
The tour included:
- The workshop;
- A space dedicated to pottery;
- Viewing some of the students' designs and observing their creative processes during class.
For Prime Minister Eman, talent development in design holds a lot of potential that goes beyond creative education alone. It can contribute directly to economic diversification and create a stronger connection between the creative industry and tourism.
Tourists who visit Aruba are increasingly looking for products that are authentic and that tell a story about the identity of our island. However, Aruba still imports many products that do not necessarily represent local authenticity. One of the reasons is that there are still not enough designers and producers dedicated to creating and manufacturing their own quality products.
“There is a lot of talent in Aruba,” the Prime Minister emphasized, indicating that initiatives such as Design Academy can help foster a broader group of designers and creators in the community and provide them with a platform to develop and showcase their talent.
During the meeting, they also discussed the future of Design Academy and the need for the initiative to receive support from both the community and the Government. The Prime Minister noted that while some support is already in place, he sees opportunities to do more in the future.
They also exchanged ideas about a suitable future location where training and public engagement can be combined under one roof. The Prime Minister expressed the wish that Design Academy continues to grow to the point where its current space becomes too small for the demand and talent it attracts. Creating a platform where Aruba's creative talent can develop, present their work, and eventually project it internationally represents a valuable opportunity for the island.
On behalf of Design Academy, Loucette Reppenhagen elaborated on the work being done with the students and the importance of providing creative talent with a space to develop their skills. Here, students have the opportunity to combine creativity with hands-on practice, experiment with different materials and techniques, and transform their ideas into concrete designs and products.