Launching this December is the Colombo Design Market, Colombo's exciting community design initiative. It is a platform for local designers, artists, craftsmen and musicians to get out there, get noticed and promote themselves. Unique artwork, chic clothing, statement jewellery, vivid illustrations and fresh music all come together on the 14th of December, 11am to 6pm, at the charming Laksala Museum Gallery Cafe.


The Colombo Design Market aims to create a platform for young creatives and entrepreneurs to gain exposure, give due recognition to art and design as a substantial source of income and to build Sri Lanka's design identity. The well-known Saskia Fernando Hammoud, Nathan Sivaganathan, Anushka Wijesinha, Leah Marikkar, Danu Innasithamby and The Good Market act as mentors and advisors and serve to strengthen the support network for the design community.


Generously supported by Laksala, the Colombo Design Market aspires to create a link between rural and urban artists and craftsmen. Through workshops and forums, the market ultimately aims to recognise opportunities to foster arts and crafts island wide.


Spend your Sunday browsing through dresses, printed shirts, intricate textures, trinkets, knick knacks and much more from the workshops of our home-grown vendors. House of Lonali, Nithya, The Couturist, Minnie, Su.Re and Feather Project are just some of the brands you can expect to see on sale at the eclectic market.


The market also gives you an ideal space to kick back and mingle with talented local artists who will be working their magic throughout the day. Watch Ruwangi Amarasinghe and Dhanouk Goonewardena (among other artists) collaborate to bring blank canvases to life, gain insight through the eye of Ruvin De Silva at the photographer's gallery all the while grooving to the sounds and music of Larry T. Hill in the Black Box.


The diverse and dynamic line-up of performers throughout the day will include the smooth vocals of Joshua Vittachi, spoken word artist Imaad Majeed, and quick-witted stand-up comedian Sacha Seneviratne.


The initiative is founded by Alifiya Mutaher and supported by Ryan Wijayaratne, Buddhima Kurukulasuriya, Munira Mutaher, Umeshi Rajeendra, Sugama Gopalkrishna and Sarala Perera. A diverse group of spirited individuals, with a passion for creativity.


You can follow the event on Facebook for more event details and complete line-up at www.facebook.com/ColomboDesignMarket