Peru's Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur) is holding the "From our hands" fair with the aim of boosting and turning handmade works from local artisans into sources of income.
This year’s edition sees the participation of 123 artisans from Lima, Ayacucho, Cusco, Cajamarca, Piura, Puno, Junin, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Loreto, Amazonas, Apurimac, Callao, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Pasco, San Martin and Ucayali.
The event grows year after year, positioning itself as a platform that connects artisans with the market and putting the best of Peruvian handicrafts on display.
The exhibition is visited by tourists eager to learn about traditions, customs and cultural influence from participating regions.
Fairgoers are able to see and purchase textile works, jewelry, pottery, imagery, vegetable fiber and wood, paintings, costume jewelry and leather, among other handicraft lines, whose pieces have been made focusing on innovation and quality.
Sales are estimated to total S/900,000 (about US$269,299), which would be a 30% increase compared to 2015 figures.
The initiative supports the sector’s efforts to increase the value of crafts through concrete actions aimed at competitive products, design innovation —without compromising authenticity—, training and access into domestic and external markets.
There are several parallel activities open to the public, such as free-of-charge interior decoration advisory services. Likewise, live workshops will be carried out by artisans, where attendees will learn about techniques used in their works.
"From our hands" fair is taking place in San Isidro district in Combate de Abtao Park and will run until Sunday May 22.
(END) CNA/JJN/AVV/RMB
Published: 5/20/2016