Why VirtuArte?
December 10th, 2009
The following post by Debbie Myers, Founder of Virtuarte, is part of Disruptive Women’s “The Value of Health: Creating Economic Security in the Developing World” series.
Deborah E. Myers has more than 25 years of experience in international economic development, including advocacy, public policy and developing strategic partnerships. She has worked with major corporations, governments, non-government organizations, and international organizations to find solutions to problems facing the people and governments in the developing world.
Events in Life often force you to step back and review where you are. In 2007 this is exactly what happened to me. I had spent the last 15 years working for three different multinational corporations, the last one for six years.
As is often the case in the corporate world, in early 2007 my job suddenly changed. So I took the opportunity to evaluate where I was in my career and to think about what I really wanted to do next.
In the early years of my career I worked at the Inter-American Development Bank, an institution that focuses on economic development in Latin America. This was my first “international” experience, where I got my passion for developing country issues and found that I love to travel. I left the Bank after 10 years and began the next phase of my career working for multinational corporations. Each position I held over these 15 years allowed me to continue to work internationally on developing world issues and travel extensively. On these travels I always took the opportunity to look for artwork and crafts that were unique to bring home either for my own enjoyment or to give as presents. 
In the developing world people have always produced crafts. Over the years the skills of these individuals have developed and many have now become true artists/artisans. However, many of the creators of these beautiful products — artwork, jewelry, weavings, and textiles – are located in countries and often in remote areas where their works are seen only by locals, expats or a few tourists who venture to these regions. Many of these items are being made by women who live in rural areas that are trying to earn an income to support their families. Their products are often expressions of traditions and customs that are slowing dying out because there is insufficient incentive — economical or cultural — to pass on these traditions/customs on to the next generation. These products are not only interesting from an anthropological perspective, they are works of art that will stand the test of time and are worthy of a place in the marketplace of beautiful objects.
After doing some soul searching I knew I did not want another corporate job. I was ready to do something different. So I left my corporate position at the end of 2007 and decided to bring my experience and passion together in a new venture, VirtuArte. VirtuArte is founded on the premise that there is a market for unique art, folk art, “fine” crafts and curios from the developing world. The purchase of a one of these pieces has an impact on both the purchaser and the artist/artisan.
The purchaser will:
- be introduced to distinctive, handcrafted products;
- be given a glimpse into another culture;
- help create further awareness of these beautiful works of art; and
- contribute to the improvement of economic well being of the artist/artisan.
The artist/artisan will be able to:
- support their family;
- improve the quality of their lives;
- stay “home” in the local village rather than migrate to urban areas to look for employment; and
- preserve traditional customs and craftsmanship.
Many of these artist/artisans are women. The increased awareness of their work and the income generated by the sale of their products to an international clientele helps these women to move up the economic ladder and begin creating new opportunities for themselves and their children. Studies have found that when women hold assets or gain incomes, family money is more likely to be spent on nutrition, medicine, and housing, and consequently children are healthier.
It is my belief that the increased awareness and ability to earn an income will also encourage and provide an incentive to the artist/artisans to continue their traditional weaving, carving, sculpting, painting and other craftsmanship, and pass their skills onto the next generation.
As defined by Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank, VirtuArte is a “social business.” That is, it has two motivations: maximizing profits and doing good for people and the world.[1] Profits will be reinvested back into the company to expand its outreach and increase the number of artists/artisans promoted. Nonetheless, a percentage of the profits will be given back to the communities to help increase access to healthcare and education, key areas for the economic development of any country.
Over the past two years I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know people like Carol Cassidy, textile designer from Laos; Ann Elston, who works with the Koumama family in Niger; Ellen Dorsch, who works with women owned textile businesses in Ethiopia, Swaziland, and
Afghanistan; and Judy Frater, director of a design school for traditional artisans in India. All of them are working to help develop local/traditional craftsmanship, create jobs and assist in bringing the products to international markets. In future posts I look forward to introducing you to these individuals and others, presenting their products, and telling their stories.
For more information about VirtuArte, the artists, products and events please visit the website at www.virtuarte.com and/or the blog at www.virtuarte.com/blogs.
[1] Muhammad Yunus, “We Can Create a Poverty-Free World,” Spiegel Online (7 June 2007)
Related posts:
- It’s High Time for Higher Goals
- The Value of Health: Creating Economic Security in the Developing World: Disruptive Women in Health Care is Going Global with a New Series and e-Book on Global Health
- On International Women’s Day: Ask Yourself What It Means To Be Healthy
- Economic Security and Reproductive Health
- Private Sector Contribution to Developing Countries’ Health Unheralded
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