Surabaya – ART CLASS HIMAKUA 2026 once again provided a platform for students to develop their creativity while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset through a creative bracelet-making workshop. Organized by the Department of Arts, Interests, and Talents (SEMIKAT) of the Aquaculture Student Association (HIMAKUA), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, the event was held on Friday (June 13, 2026) at Tomoro Coffee Kayoon, Surabaya. Attended by approximately 16 participants, the program combined art, creativity, and entrepreneurship into an interactive and hands-on learning experience that encouraged students to explore their creative potential beyond the classroom.
Designed as one of SEMIKAT HIMAKUA’s flagship programs, ART CLASS aims to provide students with opportunities to cultivate their talents outside academic activities. This year’s workshop focused on introducing participants to the fundamentals of handmade bracelet crafting while demonstrating how creative skills can be transformed into viable business opportunities within the creative industry. By integrating practical artistic activities with entrepreneurial insights, the program encouraged students to view creativity as both a form of personal expression and a valuable professional asset.
The workshop featured Sabila Khairin Nisa, an Aquaculture student from the Class of 2024 who has successfully established her own handmade accessories business, alongside her business partner, Naura Azalia Hidayah. During the sharing session, the speakers recounted their entrepreneurial journey, explaining how they began building their business while still in high school and continued to expand it despite the demands of university life. They highlighted the importance of consistency, innovation, and perseverance in turning creative hobbies into sustainable ventures.
The organizing committee emphasized that ART CLASS was designed not only to enhance participants’ artistic skills but also to inspire a creative mindset that could support future career development.
“ART CLASS is designed as an enjoyable and inspiring learning space. We hope participants will not only gain new skills but also realize that creativity can become a business opportunity with real economic value,” the committee chair explained.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in a hands-on bracelet-making session under the guidance of the speakers. A wide selection of beads and decorative materials allowed students to create personalized designs that reflected their individual creativity. Throughout the workshop, participants actively exchanged ideas on crafting techniques, color combinations, and strategies for developing competitive handmade products in today’s creative marketplace.
The interactive atmosphere encouraged discussions that extended beyond craftsmanship, covering topics such as product branding, marketing strategies, and the challenges of managing a small business as a university student. This practical approach enabled participants to better understand the creative process behind producing marketable handmade products while simultaneously developing entrepreneurial perspectives.
Reflecting on her experience, Sabila encouraged fellow students to embrace their creativity and begin pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities without waiting for perfect conditions.
“A hobby can become a business opportunity if it is pursued consistently. I hope everyone has the courage to start, continue innovating, and use their creativity as a foundation for creating opportunities in the future,” she said.
Beyond developing creative and entrepreneurial skills, ART CLASS HIMAKUA 2026 also served as a networking platform where students from different academic years could connect, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for future collaboration in organizational activities, academics, and creative business initiatives. The enthusiastic participation throughout the event reflected students’ growing interest in creative entrepreneurship and their willingness to explore innovative ideas beyond conventional academic learning.
Through ART CLASS HIMAKUA 2026, the SEMIKAT Department reaffirmed its commitment to providing educational, innovative, and impactful student programs that support personal growth and professional development. The program also contributes to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing practice-based learning experiences that enhance students’ creativity, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by encouraging entrepreneurial spirit among university students, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between student organizations, student entrepreneurs, and young business practitioners in creating an inspiring and sustainable learning environment.
Author: Feby Aqiria
Editor: FBM
