ExxonMobil joins ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival 2026 as strategic partner

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) are pleased to announce ExxonMobil Guyana as a Strategic Partner for the second edition of ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing Guyana’s creative industries and positioning the country as an emerging destination for fashion and cultural tourism.

Scheduled for July 3-5, ORIGINS: Guyana Fashion Festival is the country’s premier fashion event, bringing together designers, models, makeup artists, artisans and creative entrepreneurs in a celebration of Guyanese talent, culture and innovation. Following a successful inaugural edition in 2025, this year’s festival will place an even greater emphasis on professional development, market access and international engagement.

As a Strategic Partner, ExxonMobil Guyana’s support will contribute  to the Festival’s long-term vision of developing Guyana’s fashion industry through capacity building, greater market access and increased international engagement. The programme will extend beyond the runway, with workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions designed to strengthen business and technical skills in areas including brand development, digital commerce, export readiness and sustainable production.

The support will also help create new opportunities for local designers by strengthening connections with regional and international buyers, collaborators, media and industry leaders, while expanding the visibility of Guyana’s growing fashion sector.

Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, said the collaboration reflects the Government’s broader commitment to developing the country’s creative economy through meaningful public-private partnership.

“The Government of Guyana is committed to creating the conditions for our creative industries to thrive as part of a diversified and resilient economy. Through initiatives like ORIGINS, we are investing in the Orange Economy by creating opportunities for local designers, entrepreneurs and creatives to develop their skills, expand their markets and showcase their work on a larger stage. Partnerships with the private sector, such as ExxonMobil Guyana, are essential to this vision. Together, we are strengthening an ecosystem that supports innovation, generates economic opportunities and positions Guyana’s creative talent as a valuable contributor to our national development.”

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, said ORIGINS continues to evolve into a platform that celebrates Guyanese creativity while creating lasting opportunities for the country’s fashion industry.

“ORIGINS is about celebrating the creativity that exists right here in Guyana and giving our designers the platform they deserve. Fashion tells the story of who we are, our people, our heritage and our identity. With the support of partners like ExxonMobil Guyana, we’re able to create more opportunities for local talent to learn, connect and share their work with new audiences, while strengthening Guyana’s appeal as a destination where culture and creativity are part of the visitor experience.” (Press release)