From May 24 to June 2, 2024, at the Kram Exhibition Park, the 40th edition of the Handicraft Creation Fair captivated visitors with a unique sensory immersion, revealing the richness and variety of products from the 24 governorates. Enchanting scents, vibrant colors, exquisite flavors, and delicate textures delighted enthusiasts of Tunisian handmade crafts. This vibrant celebration highlighted the diversity and innovation of artisanal sectors, offering a memorable experience that honors Tunisia's cultural heritage.
"JK Lighting by Hassene Jeljeli"
The 40th edition of the 2024 Handicraft Creation Fair brought together nearly 1,000 exhibitors from across Tunisia. This prestigious fair is a true celebration of Tunisian craftsmanship, organized around various thematic spaces crucial for showcasing artisanal products. The commercial space allows artisans to present and sell their unique creations, while the "Region & Product" space focuses on using local raw materials, product design, functionality, and packaging. This innovative approach emphasizes innovation, research, and creativity, encouraging artisans to revisit traditions and create works inspired by Tunisia's rich heritage.
A Journey Through Enchanting Spaces of the Fair
The Djerba space is a jewel of this edition, celebrating the island's UNESCO World Heritage status. The design of this space draws inspiration from Djerba's picturesque architecture, highlighting its cultural and historical richness.
imilarly, the gifts and souvenirs space from the West showcased the first prototypes of a new production line within a project involving the regions of kef , kasserine, Gafsa, Tozeur et Sidi Bouzid, This project aims to promote local craftsmanship and offer tourists and visitors typical "handmade" gifts from the region. Coinciding with Mother's Day, this edition provides an ideal opportunity to discover unique and inspired artisanal gifts.
The new promoters' space is a talent incubator where about 80 young artisans, selected from 300 candidates, showcase their creations before moving to the commercial space. This meticulous selection process ensures the quality and innovation of the products presented.
Moreover, the governorates' space, bringing together the 24 Tunisian governorates, offers captivating artisanal demonstrations, while the raw materials space ensures artisans' supplies and offers them tax benefits. These thematic spaces are windows to the diversity and creativity of Tunisian craftsmanship.
"WEART by Wiem Azouz"
"Poterie Salama by Imed Slama"
Horizons of Cooperation and Sustainable Development
Institutional bodies present at the fair play a crucial role in supporting artisans in their activities, bringing the administration closer to artisans, and facilitating access to services offered. The olympiad space, dedicated this year to glass painting, allows young artisans to showcase their exceptional skills and develop new innovative products. A space dedicated to people with reduced mobility, supervised by specialized associations, testifies to the inclusivity of the fair.
The presence of Algerian artisans in the commercial space symbolizes the fruitful cooperation between Tunisia and Algeria, promoting the exchange of know-how and authentic products. The three halls of the fair, mainly dedicated to commercial activities, highlight rural pottery with demonstration workshops supported by international organizations. Since the 90s, the fair has been
the cradle of a new generation of craft promoters, with over 50% of young exhibitors being graduates of schools and faculties, now participating in international fairs. This resounding success is a great national pride and an encouragement to continue developing the craft sector in Tunisia, promoting innovation, sustainability, and supporting young talents.
