2023-12-16 09:55:05
Beyond the showcase that is the fair, the “ReONA” project provides crucial financial support, with credits adapted to the craft specialty of each creator. At the same time, training in interpersonal communication was provided, and a carefully designed exhibition space was made available, creating an optimal environment for showcasing craft talent. This edition presents itself as a catalyst for change, promoting collaboration between artisans, improving the services provided by regional delegations and contributing to the sustainable development of the Tunisian artisanal sector.
The kick-off of the 16e edition of the Craft Fair, which will take place from December 15 to 23 at the Maison de l’Artisanat du Denden, was given yesterday.
Organized by the National Office for Crafts in La Manouba, with the support of the “ReONA” project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the event highlights the craft village of Denden and celebrates local creations, providing a commercial space to display and sell artisanal products.
More than 50 exhibitors will participate, representing the governorates of La Manouba, Tunis, Ariana, Ben Arous, Zaghouan, Jendouba, Bizerte, Médenine and Sidi Bouzid, as well as 49 excellent artisans from the artisanal village of Denden.
Promote creations on international markets
In a statement given to The Press, Mamia Nabli, regional delegate of crafts of La Manouba, indicated that this event highlights a variety of products linked to the theme of end-of-year gift items. “This year, the event is marked by a partnership with the “ReONA” project, a collaboration between the National Crafts Office and the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Chamber of Crafts (HWK), in Germany. This project aims to strengthen the capacities of artisans in La Manouba, and from creation to export, by providing services such as financing, supervision, support and the organization of fairs to promote their creations on the international markets,” she said.
Nabli added that the project offers financial support, with grant ceilings tailored to each craft specialty. In addition, a tripartite agreement was established between the Office, the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS) and the Ministry of Finance. “Artisans, particularly beginners and those operating in the informal sector, can benefit from credits of up to 5,000 dinars, while credits of up to 12,000 dinars are available for licensed artisans. University artisans from higher schools of arts and crafts can access credits of up to 150,000 dinars for the creation of projects.
In response to the question on the objective of cooperation with Germany, the delegate explained that the emphasis is placed on assistance in various services, including supervision and support, rather than on ‘export. In addition, the action results in the organization of free regional fairs, aimed at strengthening local artisans in the national and international market.
Regarding the current situation of the Denden craft village, Mamia Nabli recognized the post-revolutionary economic challenges. “Despite the financial constraints of Tunisian consumers, the Craft Office is committed to supporting its artisans by organizing free fairs and offering free services to help them penetrate local, national and international markets,” a- she asserted.
Towards an artisanal future dynamic
For her part, Aïcha Lamouri, head of the “ReONA” project, assured that for this edition, “ReONA” made a significant contribution by preparing artisans to participate in the fair, while highlighting the holding of communication training interpersonal meeting organized two days before the event.
“This training aimed to teach artisans how to promote their products, improve their profile and gain self-confidence,” she indicated, while ensuring the importance of communicating well about artisanal products, stressing that it is This is a different approach from the promotion of industrial products, because each artisanal product carries a unique story.
The head of the “ReONA” project also mentioned the development of a 600 square meter space in the Denden craft village, offering exhibitors optimal conditions to present their creations. This initiative aimed to provide artisans with a favorable environment to display their products in an attractive manner.
Another major contribution of the “ReONA” project was to provide a reference for the organization of the fair. “The regional craft delegation of La Manouba, although having long experience with the 16e edition, had no formal organizational procedure, nor visual documentation on previous editions. The ReONA project remedied this by providing photos and communication elements, thus creating a visual reference for future editions,” she explained.
As for the overall objectives of the “ReONA” project, Aïcha Lamouri explained that it works on three main axes. The first axis aims to improve the services of regional craft delegations, with an emphasis on the accessibility of services for artisans. She underlined in this sense that there are many services little known by artisans, and the project seeks to create a guide bringing together all the necessary information.
The second axis of the project encourages artisans to work together, promoting the formation of groups sharing similar challenges. Lamouri highlighted the Nucleus approach that will be introduced to encourage this collaboration.
Finally, the third axis aims to develop a network charter encompassing all support structures for crafts. This includes public and private partnerships to facilitate the daily work of regional delegations.
Lamouri did not fail to recall that the “ReONA” project, which began on December 15, 2022, has a planned duration until December 14, 2025 and that this cooperation is currently aimed at the national level, but it plans to explore international opportunities in later phases of the project.
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