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FIART – 13th International Arts and Crafts Exhibition 2009
Havana, Cuba
Dec 10-20th, 2009
FIART takes place every December in Havana. It has been recognized as one of the most important spaces to promote handicrafts, and exhibit the material and non-material heritage, national identity, and cultural diversity of participating nations.
The event was spectacular on several fronts. Highlights were the fashion shows, the opening of the exhibit “Más allá de los límites” (Beyond Limits) by sculptor Raul Valladares, the Biannual Exhibit of Papier-mâché, and the Hall of Awarded Carved Sculpture by the Cuban Association of Artisans.
President of the WCC Latin American region, Mrs. Mercy Correa Pinero, invited Mrs. Usha Krishna, President of World Crafts Council, to visit Cuba during the Latin American Assembly and the FIART exhibition in Havana. The third board meeting of the World Crafts Council was also organized to coincide with the WCC LA assembly and the FIART exhibition.
The Cuban Cultural Ministry invited Indian Artisans to take part in the FIART exhibition. This was made possible by the support of the Ministry of Textiles, Department of Handicrafts, Government of India. It was especially fruitful for the group of five Indian craftspeople, who were selected by the Crafts Council of India, to cover various crafts across India. They interacted with other participants, openly exchanged techniques and designs, and relished the opportunity to understand the international market.
This year’s exhibition included artisans and crafts workers from 18 countries. Argentina, Spain, Chile, Mexico, and Peru participated while India, Namibia, South Africa, and Iran attended FIART for the first time.
There were 260 stalls, showcasing crafts from most of the Latin American countries. UNESCO award pieces were exhibited, including silver jewellery, wooden sculptures, papier-mâché, leather goods, stained glass, fiber baskets, and fine lace work dresses outfits. The display of recycled metal cars was truly unique. Leather puppets, wooden sculptures, and jewellery of stone, glass, bead, and silver attracted a lot of attention. Handbags in cloth, with embroidery, patchwork, and weaves were typical of the region. One particular stall showed how famous Cuban cigars are made.
In this region, FIART is especially relevant today when the Latin American and Caribbean countries are living in new times of integration. Amidst the current global crisis, crafts seem to offer a glimmer of hope in fighting poverty and economic hardships.
Exhibits at FIART |
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If you wish to include events carried out by your organization, please mail with the details to the address below.
Executive Manager: Geetha Raja
wcc.sect.in@gmail.com |
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