About
As a design agency, Toqapu is on a mission to empower rural artisan communities through our innovative design methods. We value and protect their invaluable knowledge and skills, while connecting them with discerning designers and markets. Our focus is to assist in the creation and promotion of authentic, high-quality, and sustainable products that leave a lasting impact on both artisans and conscious fashion consumers in urban settings. We approach our work with cultural sensitivity, ensuring these communities thrive without compromising their rich heritage.
We believe that supporting small artisan communities is essential for preserving cultural heritage and sustainable production practices. These, mostly indigenous communities work in harmony with their environment, using traditional practices that have been passed down through generations to produce materials, products that are made with care. By supporting these communities, we are promoting ethical production and sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and society as a whole.
Our Services
Professional Networking
Toqapu helps businesses and entrepreneurs find the right partners and experts by leveraging our international network of governmental and non-governmental institutions, cultural and educational organizations, as well as designers, entrepreneurs, and technology specialists.
Think Tank
In our think tank we develop and implement projects that lie at the intersection of craftsmanship, design, business, social science and technology. Our aim is to address the cultural and practical needs of artisan communities to ensure the future of their skills, practices and wares.
Market Entrance Strategy
Supporting cultural brands with market entrance and communication strategies. We empower brands with cultural facilitation, intercultural moderation and marketing strategies to a successful market entrance in a foreign context.
Design Workshop
Our custom-built workshops explore, evaluate, and kick-start creative strategies, processes, and projects, resulting in bespoke design solutions that convey a unique brand statement for businesses, entrepreneurs, institutions, and artisan communities.
Product Design & Development
We involve local designers and manage the design process to ensure outstanding results for businesses’ product design and development needs.
Cultural branding
We create brand concepts that communicate the beliefs and values behind handicrafts, using methodologies like the golden circle, circular design, and ideo.org to position crafted products based on their history and cultural heritage.