Reggae Sumfest is most known for its entertainment package, but aside from the on stage action the festival prides itself on showcasing all things Jamaican. A huge part of that cultural showcase is the Artisan Village.

Strategically placed at the main entrance of the Catherine Hall Entertainment complex, the Artisan Village is loaded with masterfully crafted items from some of Jamaica’s most talented artists.

Speaking with OBSERVER ONLINE on Friday night, several of the creatives expressed how overjoyed they were to be a part of the global musical platform. For them, partnering with Reggae Sumfest highlights that Jamaica has so much more to offer than music.

“This is my first year attending Sumfest so I am really grateful to be here and that they have included us creatives. I think it’s a beautiful addition to the space and I am excited to be a part of this experience,” said Moon, owner of the company, Earth and Moon, which sells artwork that incorporates different elements from the Earth along with things that inspire the owner culturally.

“I think it is important that people get to see the different sides of Jamaica. We have so much talent and creativity coming out of the country that aren’t shown on a daily basis. People put a lot of passion and dedication into their craft, much like the artistes and the musicians do and so we are grateful that people will get to see that Jamaica offers so much more than music,” she continued.

Juliet Moodie, of Shoan’s Collectibles, which sells Jamaican-inspired clothing and sandals, shared similar sentiments. With multiple showings at the Reggae Sumfest Artisan Village, Moodie said the area is a great launching pad for entrepreneurs like herself.

“I really just want to say thanks to the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) who has made it possible year after year for us to be here. This is a great platform for small business owners like myself. As a country we are more than just entertainment and the village shows you that,” she said. “The exposure from Sumfest is so great that even when people don’t buy on the night, they take our cards and they ask us to do follow up work after. We do shipping abroad and Sumfest has given us a great platform to expand our business.”

Dana Baugh of BAUGHaus Design Studio, which sells majestically crafted porcelain pieces inspired by the culture of Jamaica, said the Artisan Village is a blessing.

“It is so great that Reggae Sumfest has included the artisans because we are among the people that are most responsible for making the culture tangible. This is a great example of art and music coming together,” she said. “This is my first year and the artisan village is sponsored by the TEF and it is great that they allow for this platform to introduce persons like myself to new business.”