Filipino Artisan Marketplace and Incubator in San Francisco Acknowledged as ‘A World Changing Idea’ by FastCompany
Republika receives honorable mention in ‘World Changing Ideas Awards’ for Social Justice
Republika floor plan designs will take into account social distancing measures.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 18, 2020 - Republika — the first retail & event space in the nation dedicated to supporting Filipino business in San Francisco — received an honorable mention in FastCompany’s ‘World Changing Ideas Awards 2020’ in the Social Justice category. The developing project is the result of a collaboration bringing together non-profit Kultivate Labs’ mission to build economic development in SOMA Pilipinas — the city’s newest Filipino Cultural Heritage District — and the design expertise of award-winning Studio O+A.
The sari-sari store, a ubiquitous sundry store found all over the Philippines, inspired Republika’s design concept.
"When Kultivate Labs approached us about designing a new, one-of-a-kind artisan marketplace, we immediately embraced the opportunity to work on a project in our own backyard," Studio O+A cofounder Primo Orpilla comments. "One of the things that is unique about Republika is its adaptability and configurability. With 3,600 square feet, three permanent vendors and four additional rotating vendors, the design for Republika had to have the flexibility and invention of a pop-up with the look and feel of the permanence that comes with an established business. The design utilizes custom modular fixtures that can accommodate all types of retail concepts from jewelry, streetwear and home goods to other artisanal shops. Because the permanent vendors are so diverse, we needed to design a space that would be mindful of and respect that diversity, creating both delineated separation and a feeling of unity at the same time. This is especially true as we adjust to future code requirements and we begin to use public spaces again."
For Kultivate Labs, the team behind the project and the same non-profit organization behind the successful Filipino creative night market festival UNDISCOVERED SF, the recognition is testament of the team’s ability to authentically connect with community, entrepreneurs, developers, and city leaders. The Kultivate Labs team headed a successful $40K+ fundraiser for Republika’s buildout last year. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic and the statewide shelter-in-place orders, Kultivate Labs’ projects including Republika have been put on a temporary hold. Despite these bumps in the road, Kultivate Labs remains resilient and creative and will adapt Republika events to an online commerce experience.
“The devastating effects of COVID-19 only underscores the need for projects like Republika to exist,” Kultivate Labs Executive Director Desi Danganan emphasizes. “There will be massive business closures across the board, but we will rebuild our economy. Republika is perfectly positioned to accelerate the growth of the next wave of retail businesses that will rise-up from the ashes of the pandemic.”
Further validating Kultivate Labs’ efforts, Danganan was named a NextCity Vanguard, earlier this year. NextCity appoints the title through a competitive application process. Vanguards include an impressive selection of policymakers, politicians, architects, urban planners, artists and media makers.
“Being named a NextCity Vanguard is the ultimate validation for community and city partnerships,” Danganan says. “We’re constantly pushing the envelope in the world of community led economic development. I hope our story enables other cities to make big bets on big ideas that come from the communities they serve.”
For more information on FastCompany’s honorable mention of Republika, visit https://www.fastcompany.com/90492120/world-changing-ideas-awards-2020-social-justice-finalists-and-honorable-mentions.
For information on Republika crowdfunding campaign visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/republika-sf-filipino-retail-business-incubator.
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About Republika:
Republika is a new retail & event space and incubator for innovative retail concepts and food pop-ups that will preserve Filipino cultural identity and community. The new space will be the permanent home to 3 of UNDISCOVERED SF’s most successful vendors and will include space to incubate 4 more rotating vendors. Republika, a collaboration between Kultivate Labs and O+A Studio, will serve as the canvas for a new wave of entrepreneurs as they define the future of Filipino culture in San Francisco.
About Studio O + A:
Studio O+A’s work process combines creativity and flexibility with the technical expertise to realize appropriate solutions for their client. Because their professionals are trained and experienced in all aspects of corporate planning and design, they exercise a degree of control that carries projects from concept to finish with consistency and economy.
About Kultivate Labs:
Kultivate Labs is a Non-profit Economic Development and Arts Organization. They create thriving commercial ecosystems by accelerating businesses that preserve culture and community. They provide space and opportunities for the arts to flourish so that commercial activities are activated and reflect the community at large. The diverse team behind Kultivate Labs itself demonstrates a considerable range of experience (Undiscovered SF night market, Balay Kreative - A Filipino arts and cultural org, with more projects to be announced in 2020.)