Text by Jing Dian Jia / Spot News Photos by Liao Weiren
The 2019 Pop Up Asia handmade fair opened on November 14 at Taipei’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and will run until November 17, spanning four days. As Asia’s largest handmade exhibition, it showcases up to 200 artisan booths and is a must-visit hot event at year’s end.
Over the past four years, the Asia Handmade Fair has connected nearly 500 handmade brands and platforms, doubling its exhibition space this time and dividing it into four major themed exhibition halls. The total number of expected visitors exceeds 100,000. As the first handmade entrepreneurship exhibition in Asia focused on promoting exchanges among handmade startups and organizations, the fair explores trends and sustainable business models from the perspective of handmade entrepreneurs.
This year’s four themed exhibition areas integrate over 200 material suppliers, manufacturers, and independent brands across Asia, centering on micro-production, Asian themes, lifestyle design, and original styles. Under the annual theme of “micro-production,” the event facilitates cross-sector collaborations between manufacturers and handmade startups.
The venue displays a wide range of innovative materials including Swarovski crystals, leather fabrics, ribbons and lace, waxed cords, wood, along with professional display props. It also features 3D printers, laser engravers, specialized hand tools, and pairs these with over 50 professional handmade workshops from institutions such as Taiwan’s National Taiwan Craft Research
A carefully curated selection platform and thematic exhibition featuring 10 destinations across Asia, including TRUNK DESIGN—winner of Japan’s Good Design Award, Cambodia’s social enterprise SALASUSU, Malaysia’s Ninth Gallery, South Korea’s LACC, as well as Taiwan’s Cocoon wrap, Dot Dot Goodyear, and Yilan Jinghao Lifestyle. Experience 100% of the unique local cultural characteristics from various parts of Asia through this event.
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