Handprinted For the Greater Good – Creating Beautiful Opportunities Through Handwork
EMBRACING TRADITION & HANDWORK
At the heart of our handprinted collection is a story about resilience. For centuries, indigenous communities in the Pacific practiced the art of printmaking to share their stories and reflect their talents and identity. As we live in very different times, we work alongside rural, remote women and youth to develop opportunities to hone their traditional skills and gain new ones. Our studio print program aims to engage more rural remote indigenous youth in printmaking. Every tea towel is screen printed by hand, providing a learning and earning opportunity for budding crafters.
"I walked into this program without knowing anything about screen printing. I used to help in delivering the fabric and paint to women in our community and always admired the finished work. When an opportunity opened up with the Studio Print team, I tried it out. I have gained a lot of experience in the first year. Now I am printing orders to go along with things that are handwoven in my community."
~ Jay, Studio Apprentice Printer, Nakorotubu District
FUNCTIONALITY MEETS ARTISTRY: ELEVATING EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
Our tea towels are more than just kitchen essentials; they weave together functionality, Fiji-inspired local colorways, and prints with real-life training and earning opportunities for local communities in Fiji. We love creating dish towels because everyone can use one; they make great gifts and are easy for travelers to pack!
EMPOWERING ARTISANS: GROWING THE HAND WORKER ECONOMY IN FIJI
The global handcraft market was valued at USD 915.93 billion in 2022 and was projected to grow from USD 1,007.07 billion in 2023 to USD 1,972.32 billion by 2030. We can position Fiji and the South Pacific as viable players in this market through additional investment in training opportunities for communities. Programs like our Studio Print program and Community Made Collections aim to engage rural, remote communities in Fiji, traditionally left out of the formal economy due to geographic and economic isolation on the production of handmade goods. Our program model is developed to address the traditional pain points communities face in participating in and benefitting from Fiji's growing tourist economy.
PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION: SUSTAINABILITY AND PARTNERSHIP
We believe in the power of collaboration. Rise Beyond the Reef encourages the private sector to recognize the value of supporting these communities economically. By engaging in socially conscious sourcing, businesses can become partners in sustainable growth, contributing to remote artisans' economic prosperity and ensuring cultural heritage preservation.
EXPLORE, SHOP, EMPOWER: THE RISE BEYOND THE REEF EXPERIENCE
Ready to infuse your kitchen and home with the beauty of South Pacific craftsmanship? Explore our online shop, where each product tells a unique story. Through purchase, you support the handcrafted movement that embraces culture, empowers artisans, and celebrates the everyday.
