In the framework of the MPTF for COVID-19 Response funded project, UNESCO supported the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) as a part of the informal economy in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Palau. The project addressed unemployment and aims to support sustainable enterprises in the informal subsectors following the impact of COVID-19. The Local Informal CCIs, Cultural and Creative Industry mostly operating as micro home-based enterprises, have been particularly affected by the contraction of the tourism sector in the country during the pandemic. The project aimed to strengthen the (PCCI), Palau Cultural and Creative Industry and capitalize on local creative talent through specialized skills transfer, market connection, and by addressing pre-existing challenges in the industry and structure of the informal economy.
Belau National Museum worked with the experienced artists and creatives in various industries of the creative sector, traditional crafts, carving, pottery, weaving, visual arts, including fashion, as well as music. An additional to this project was to reequip those in the creative sector with entrepreneurial skills tailored for the needs of creative in the Pacific. The project looked into how the Belau National Museum can better equip creative in Palau to access diverse markets through e-commerce platforms.
The project created a platform for those in the creative sector, both through the trainings, lectures, online lectures, and debates that were held during the project, really brought together a diversity of actors involved in the culture sector.
