Artesanato Solidário / ArteSolis a non profit organization created in 1998 which develops income and jobs generation projects in poor regions of Brazil through the revitalization of traditional handcraft and the broadening of its selling channels.
Besides improving the financial security of part of the population, this type of production, while previously almost unprofitable and virtually abandoned, has now been revitalized and taught to the young people. By doing this, a profound goal is accomplished: fusing tradition and innovation.
Supported by a network of partners, Artesanato Solidário / ArteSol has an active role in developing 90 productive artisan groups throughout 17 Brazilian states, benefiting somewhere around four thousands craftsmen. The types of handcrafts are diverse- including ceramics, lacework and embroideries, weaving, macramé, sculpture, wood cutting, among so many others.
Artesanato Solidario/ArteSol is against the practice of social assistance and prefers to help create conditions to achieve local sustainable development. By understanding the peculiarities and traditions of handcrafts and evaluating the habits and socioeconomic conditions of artisans, the Artesanato Solidario/ArteSol can draw up effective plans of action and generate unique projects.
Informational workshops responsible for creating associations and improving working conditions revitalize traditional handcraft production and artisan confidence. Artesanato Solidario/ArteSol also buys some of the crafts, respecting the fair trade standards. It is the only Brazilian handcraft organization which holds the certificate of IFAT (International Fair Trade Association). The artisans generate income through product sales; they become protagonists of their own development, and that of their own family and community. It seems like we have reached the end, doesn't it? But the exact opposite has happened: it's from here that, finally, artisans and communities can begin to enjoy the most precious of all conquests: citizenship. As their quality of life improves, the craftsmen recover their self-esteem and will progress and learn even more.