Lack of originality sees creative markets stall

Although they were established to promote individual designers and unique work, piracy and poor product diversity are undermining these outlets for independent craftspeople. China Daily reports.

Since their introduction 10 years ago, creative fairs have become a staple of China's arts and crafts retail scene by offering unique, home-produced goods, such as objets d'art and exotic foodstuffs produced by independent craftspeople. Now, though, their success is being threatened by the very thing they were set up to avoid - a lack of creativity - and poor legal awareness that has seen piracy of popular items become rife.

Many designers and organizers are concerned that the lack of diversity will undermine creativity and quality, as they have in more-traditional craft markets.