Komura; is serious about supporting Filipino creatives

Komura; is back, but this time it’s not a book fair. In constant pursuit of its goal to help Filipino storytellers nurture their practices and explore the possibilities of literature and print, this upcoming Komura; is an intimate conference centered around conversations on the ins and outs of sustaining a career or venture within the burgeoning arts, tech and culture landscape.

Dubbed as Komura; Studio, the event will feature talks by respected figures in the tech, print, literature and publishing industry from both local and international communities (Faye Cura – Gantala Press, Malcolm Smith – Krack Studio, Indonesia, Manix Abrera, Ian Quimbo – Diyalogo

Christopher David – VR Philippines & Veer Immersive Technologies, Niel Dagondon – Anino Games and CIIT College of Arts. All of them are slated to shed light on how to sustain independent pursuits without compromising quality content.

“We want to reach out to creatives who are serious with their creative ventures and focus on it as a full-time endeavor,” says Czyka Tumaliuan, founder of Kwago bookstore and co-founder of Komura;.

“We want Komura; Studio to focus on the importance of having that cushion to create through right funding or a business model. It’s not about monetizing our passion, but knowing ways how to secure and prolong the lifespan of what we love.”

This importance of sustaining a creative project is why Tumaliuan and Warehouse Eight co-owner and Komura; co-founder Kayla Dionsio curated their list of speakers carefully.

“These speakers already have experience in sustaining their practices,” Dionsio shared, “and they’ve gone through the nitty-gritty of the day-to-day grind.”

While the talks will be the main feature of Komura;, there will a dedicated time for socials and a gig by Echoes to cap off the night. The winner of the Komura; Creators Grant Rommel Joson will also share what he has come up with and talk about his process.

Moreover, Tumaliuan and Dioniso will launch the official website of Komura; which will feature a directory that aims to host all the independent artist-initiated enterprises related to storytelling and speciality brands in the Philippines.

“We want the directory to be for writers and creatives who are looking for like-minded people they can check out and probably collaborate with, as well as tourists who wants to get to know more about the literature and print industry in the Philippines” Tumaliuan says.

As Komura; continues to explore different kinds of storytelling and encourage more voices to get out into the scene, the conference-slash-gathering on November 24 is a step in the right direction.

“Komura; started as a fair but I guess Czy and I’s constant intention to help the community pushed us to re-think what it should be. Don’t really want to be caught up with labels. Just want to help,” Dionisio said.

Komura; will be held at Warehouse Eight on November 24, 2-11PM. The event is limited to 120 seats. Regular tickets cost P3,000, while the student rate is P2,700. Tickets are inclusive of: admission to 7 talks on funding creative pursuits, a Komura; Studio kit, afternoon snacks, unlimited coffee, and a gig. Tickets at the door will be P3,500, subject to availability.

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