It doesn't take a creative aficionado to see that the design scene in Shanghai is burgeoning. With the growth of fledgling designer-goods complexes and clusters of artistic boutiques popping up around town, the powers that be are pumping money into China's creative industries believing they could play a significant role in the future economy. If this investment continues, some pundits suggest Shanghai could join Tokyo and Hong Kong as a major design center within the next decade.

Although government support of projects like the Shanghai Creative Industry Center (SCIC) that opened in the spring of 2005 are important, many believe the real seeds for growth will come from within the community. Zhu Jie, the founder of event management company Bosaidun, is one of them, and is coordinating the second annual Shanghai Tan Creative Bazaar being held at the Highstreet Loft. The Bazaar has doubled in size in its second year, showcasing 100 designers, two-thirds of whom will be local talent.

"When I first started working with designers, many complained to me about the lack of communication within the field here," Zhu explains. "There were few forums for idea-sharing between businesses and many found it difficult to reach their market." The bazaar, taking place November 17-18, will provide a valuable forum for networking and the exchange of ideas, and a rare, low-cost opportunity for students and fledgling businesses hoping to make their mark. Visitors and exhibitors can browse products ranging from fashion, street-wear, jewelry and accessories to furniture and stationary. Creative services such as photography and graphic design will also be promoted. "My aim has been to create a free platform for all creatives in Shanghai," Zhu says. Buyers, shop owners and online stores are amongst the expected attendees.

Bosaidun has also arranged a preview forum at Tongji University on November 11 to promote discussion between participating designers and students in creative disciplines. Zhu believes that support given at the grass-roots level is one of the factors that makes Shanghai unique and will help to secure the field's success in the future. Tongji student Chen Wenjie is amongst a group exhibiting notebooks, cards and toys at the bazaar. She is excited about the opportunity to get her work noticed. "The bazaar is a way to make our ideas into a reality," she says.

Claire Methven

The Details

What:

Shanghai Tan Creative Bazaar 2007

Where:

Highstreet Loft, No. 283 Jianguo Lu

When:

Nov. 17-18

Cost:

Free

Tel:

6371-5665