This technical cooperation seeks to increase competitiveness and income in Bolivia's craft sector. The components are: (a) quality and design; (b) training; (c) competitions; (d) fairs; and (e) marketing. The goal is replication of the components in this cycle until sufficient national and international recognition is achieved to attract participating artisans, buyers, and visitors on an ongoing, self-sustainable basis. The first component funds increased artisan knowledge of products in demand on the market and of the cultural, iconographic, and design implications of these. Contacts with wholesale buyers, market studies, and market trend analysis will indicate the features and quality of the products most in demand, which will in turn help the organizers decide on the theme for the competitions (component three) and advise artisans on the quality standards for traditional and new products. Information obtained will be compiled in a print and electronic database. The second component, based on the findings of the first, funds artisan training in the features and quality of the products with best chance for market placement, and in how to increase sales. The third component promotes market-based design and production of crafts, establishes standards of excellence, and showcases the best artisans as "Master Artisan" in a specific area. Artisans participating in the competitions will benefit from receiving prizes and being able to sell their products at the fairs that follow. Under component four, the fairs fund: (a) contacts between producers and national and international buyers; (b) open spaces where local and international tourists and the local population can find high-quality products and have direct contact with producers; and (c) institutionalization of fairs, to attract the greatest number of exhibitors and buyers. Component five supports: (a) building two shops for exhibiting and selling traditional handicrafts; (b) creating a Web page for information on, promotion, and sale of handicrafts endorsed by the program; and (c) eventually opening up international markets for Bolivian crafts. The Quipus Cultural Foundation (FCQ) will sponsor an annual seminar/workshop for artisan groups and supportive institutions to promote consensus-building, dialogue, and joint strategic planning for the whole process.
Project Detail
Country
Bolivia
Project Number
TC9902017
Approval Date
October 27, 1999
Project Status
Closed
Project Type
Technical Cooperation
Sector
PRIVATE FIRMS AND SME DEVELOPMENT
Subsector
PRIVATE FIRMS AND SME DEVELOPMENT
Lending Instrument
Instrumento del Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones
Lending Instrument Code
MIF
Modality
-
Facility Type
-
Environmental and Social Impact Category (ESIC)
-
Total Cost
USD 1,430,000.00
Country Counterpart Financing
USD 430,000.00
Original Amount Approved
USD 1,000,000.00