From March 10 to 19, 2023, at the Kram Exhibition Park, the 39th edition of the Handicraft Creation Fair offered visitors a sensory journey through the richness of products from 24 governorates. Enchanting scents, vibrant colors, delicious tastes, and smooth textures delighted enthusiasts of Tunisian handmade crafts, celebrating the diversity of artisanal sectors.
As with each edition, the Handicraft Creation Fair has established itself as an essential event for promoting and showcasing Tunisian artisans.
The objective of ONAT is to bring together various sector stakeholders through a large-scale event to revitalize their activities and support local creatives. Therefore, a space was reserved for young promoters to give them more visibility and introduce them to the public. In the "Creation" space, contemporary designers representing different governorates showcased their latest innovations, both unique and surprising, while being inspired by ancient craftsmanship.
ONAT also organized various competitions during this 39th edition to reward the skills of Tunisian designers.
In this regard, the organization of the wood sculpture olympiad aimed to recognize the best artisans and to rediscover the craft through the creation of an "inspiration" space.
Unveiling new creations or showcasing ancestral know-how, wonder and nostalgia were present at the stands of the 1200 exhibitors. These were divided into categories ranging from tableware to weaving, cabinetry to clothing, and decoration to perfume.
A Ceremony Marked by Tunisian-Algerian Friendship
The opening of the Handicraft Creation Fair was presided over by Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdane, accompanied by a ministerial delegation including the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts. This occasion allowed interaction with various artisans and young entrepreneurs present.
The Prime Minister visited numerous exhibition spaces, including those for international cooperation programs, areas for people with special needs, the regions pavilion, and the space dedicated to Sejnane traditional pottery artisans. The inauguration was also marked by the visit to the pavilion of the
Republic of Algeria, the guest of honor for this edition.
The Algerian pavilion, covering 250m², featured over 25 artisans' stands. It is part of the cooperation agreements between the two countries and the cooperation programs between ONAT and the Algerian Craft Agency. Each craft has its memory, each creator their journey, and each product its story! Spanning 120,000 m², the Handicraft Creation Fair allowed visitors to explore the diverse stories and experiences shared by creators, immersing them in various universes. Through personal stories, a new allegory of Tunisia is constructed.
The fair facilitates exceptional meetings, allowing the discovery, edition after edition, of a new generation of artists, designers, and artisans who reclaim their shared heritage as a field of individual expression. More than a profession, artisanal creation is a space for reclaiming an identity that balances traditional values with contemporary changes.
Each act of creation carries the traces of the different chapters of the evolution of Tunisian society. As aptly summarized by the theme of the 39th edition of the Fair: "Our history is in our craft!"
Innovation, Resilience, and Craftsmanship for Responsible Ethics!
This year's edition is exceptional, focusing on sustainability and resilience with the theme "craftsmanship, friend of the environment." A competition for students and professionals was organized to encourage young creators to explore ecological design.
This approach could rejuvenate the handicraft sector,
which has been significantly impacted by recent economic challenges, while aligning with international market trends.
As climate change becomes a pressing issue, environmental ethics are increasingly important to both foreign and local consumers.
Traditional crafts have always embodied responsible design, using local and environmentally friendly materials. Id déco met with young creators exploring ecological approaches to update the artisanal heritage.
