Durham Parks and Recreations has been hosting the Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival for years. One of Durham's most highly regarded events. I have personally only been twice in my entire life. I was blown away by this year's vendor choice. Vendors are not selected by a juror, as in most festivals. And spaces are available until the deadline in May or until slots are filled. I'm an aspiring artist and wanted a both space for my handcrafted art and jewelry, but couldn't because the spaces were full. Upon exploring the the different vendors at the festival, I saw an array of real artist and jewelry crafters peppered among the overwhelming amount of vendors selling sun shades, packaged cheap jewelry from China and inscents. Some were even selling CD's and T-Shirts! I was under the slight impression that the items at an art's festival should embrace the creative nature of a culture and the artistry world; supporting local artist and their gift to create handcrafted goods. The focus of this has clearly been distorted at Bimbe. It is even alarming that this is long time festival that is suppose to up lift the ethnic artist from around the area. I believe the focus has clearly been swayed by today's pop culture demands. I will continue to follow this festival and blog about it in hopes that one day this will begin to change.
