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ARTEFINO Fair 2025 shines the spotlight on the heart, soul, and purpose behind the artisanal platform and movement: the HeArteFino Program.
IMPACT MAKERS (From left) Dimple Lim of Lalaro, Cherilyn Secillano of Dwellbeing, Carol de Leon of Angkan, Anna Catanghal-Antonio of Follow Your Heart Bags and Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of R2R. ARTEFINO PHOTO
It also honors a growing community dedicated to preserving Philippine craft, pushing innovation forward while creating social impact.
In its almost decade-long run, the fundraiser founded by Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Lopez-Vargas and Marimel Francisco, has evolved to become an incubator of local talent, a community of conscious retailers and cultural movement.
Since its inception, the nonstock, nonprofit organization and its long-term developmental programs have helped chosen communities around the country.
Over the years, grants have increased in value reaching an estimated P1,000,000.
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The ArteFino group clarifies that the amount given to grantees may also vary depending on the needs of each community.
Recipients in recent years include the Bagobo Tagabawa community from Davao, weavers from Argao, Cebu and the artisans of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
“Advocacy is the core. We exist because we believe that craft is not just about beauty, but about equity, access and impact,” the founders assert.
Featured in this year’s fair are pieces by Zarah Juan.
Aptly dubbed Full Circle, the collection explores the use of natural dyes, which she learned during an immersion experience in Jakarta.
“Nine years ago, I started my creative journey with ArteFino, and it felt so natural that I would return here with a new perspective,” the renowned accessories designer said.
“We believe in creativity with a conscience. Every object made, story shared, community empowered, is a reminder that design can be a vessel for dignity, livelihood and hope. We represent a collective of dreamers, doers, trailblazers and gamechangers, crafting a more meaningful future,” the founders concluded.
