The Sri Lankan Institute of Interior Designers (SIID), with the support of Sewalanka Foundation, will hold Designer Innovations 2007, an exhibition and competition of designer products, at the Main Ballroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo on the 14 and 15 July 2007.

The main objective of this exhibition is to encourage the creative use of local materials and techniques in upmarket products for interior design and daily use. Suitable products will be recognised with a Quality Assurance Certification from the SIID.

Designer Innovations 2007 will display the creations of designers, manufacturers and crafts people competing for designer awards. The three top designers will be offered a study tour to Bangkok, courtesy of Sewalanka Foundation.

After the exhibition, Sewalanka plans to work with the Sri Lankan Institute of Interior Designers to create a product catalogue of the best designs for distribution in Sri Lanka and abroad. The products will also be promoted through national and international fairs and the development of a special display centre.

Community groups with handicraft production skills will be invited to participate in training programs on how to produce the new designs.

Training is currently scheduled in Kandy, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura and Galle. Production will be based on orders and market demand.

The program will open new avenues for Sri Lankan handicraft communities to add value to their products, increase their revenue, and ensure that their skills are passed to the next generation.

Community members will be encouraged to innovate and adapt their designs to meet changing market demands.

The designer product range will include furniture, fabrics, lamp fittings, interior finishing and flooring, decorative accessories and handicrafts, utilising different materials such as wood, metal, fiberglass, ceramic, glass and natural materials.

For further information and registration for participation, contact Swarna Obeyesekara, Handicraft Development Consultant, Sewalanka Foundation on (011) 2545 3625.