DACPA

Dominica’s arts and crafts sector has been struggling against several challenges for a number of years.
To try and address some of these issues and help the sector realize its true potential, the Dominica Arts and Craft Producers Association (DACPA) was officially formed as a registered non-profit company in January 2011.

The main aims of DACPA are:

  1. To support employment creation, establish DACPA as a leading contributor to economic growth and tourism and to increase awareness of the importance of the craft sector to the Dominican economy
  2. To be the main voice and umbrella for all local artisans and act as a lobby group for members
  3. Increase production and quality of local arts and crafts
  4. Seek additional local, regional and international outlets and markets for authentic Dominican craft
  5. Improve skills and business training opportunities for member artisans
  6. Nurture the talent of young people including those with learning or physical challenges

Current DACPA Executive:

  • President: Vanessa Winston, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Vice President: Katia Charles, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Treasurer: Steven Dailey, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Past President: Francis Richards 2011-2013

Member Benefits

Being a member of DACPA opens up a wide range of opportunities and benefits. Some of those include:

  • Regular interaction, support and knowledge/experience sharing with other local artisans
  • Support of stakeholders such as IDA, DDA, DEXIA and the OECS EDU unit
  • Notification to participate in regular local arts and crafts fairs and key annual events such as Creole in the Park, WCMF, stadium events etc
  • Discounted participation rates for some of the above mentioned events
  • Notification to participate and display at other regional and international art & craft events
  • Duty free on imported arts and crafts materials (arranged through the executive)
  • Potential to host your own art/craft exhibition or a combined art/craft exhibition
  • Internet marketing through social media websites such as facebook and the DACPA website
  • Notification of art & craft related training and business skills training
  • Notification of other art & craft related seminars, galleries and conferences
  • Potential for bulk purchasing and other economies of scale benefits from pooling membership resources
  • Other future marketing opportunities such as brochures, magazines etc
  • Future potential for low finance loans or help with securing funding
  • Potential for other group discounts such as insurance or discounts from local/regional art/craft suppliers or other businesses
  • Future access to display products at strictly “made in Dominica” outlet