Art Handy: Linking handicraft to the World Market

The Global Alliance is pleased to welcome as a new member the Open City International Foundation Inc. a leading US NGO which supports and coordinates other associate NGOs including Fundaçao Oasis Citade Aberta (FOCA), member of United Nations Economic and Social Council, and other entities which operate in Portugal, Italy, Mozambique, Angola and China and which share Open City’s mission: to create development and quality of life in marginalized areas. Open City International Foundation allows their associates to share resources, disseminating know-how and information in order to cooperate in common programs acting as a facilitator and as a factor of integration among different cultures. Open City is currently preparing a project called ‘Art Handy: Linking handicraft to the World Market’ and is searching for partners and participants. The Project aims to enable small-scale artisans to produce new handicrafts (“trendy brands handicrafts”) and sell them in niche international markets to alleviate poverty and promote economic development. The project is based on a model of international cooperation combining local strengths with external markets and will integrate models of learning and know-how with economic, territorial and business growth. The project will enhance international awareness of specific areas of various countries developing standards of cultural, environmental, and production excellence. Because studies show that the majority of crafts producers are women, this project also aims to help them to attain higher living standards and support their underlying leadership role in rural development. Contact details: Marilia Bernardes President president@foca.org.br Rua Fagundes Varela 441 Jardim Social Curitiba Parana Brasil tel: 55 41 3621616 fax: 55 41 30272828

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