Artisans gathered in networks
To promote and foster artistic creations and artisanal goods through a network of shops and art galleries, taking pleasure in the arts and the craftwork, and exalting the significance of cultural output.
To strengthen the Venezuelan artisanal sector, and furnish it with a sustainable development tool that allows artisans to become involved in the artistic/artisanal creations taking place in different parts of the country, by preparing a National Registry of Artisans. To enhance and improve spaces for conducting training, exchanges, and business, as well as events that may be of interest for local artisans and the public in general.
Between 2013 and 2016, 1,480 events were organized per year to promote the diversity of Venezuelan artistic/artisanal output, both within the network of shops and galleries created for this purpose and away from it. Some of the events included the “National Congress to Create the Network of Instrument Builders”, “National Artisan’s Day”, the “Regional Gathering of Popular Innovators”, “Artisanal Fairs”, the “1st National Gathering of Goldsmiths”, and the “1st National Seminary of Venezuelan Craftwork for the 21st Century”.
In addition to this, 80 spaces belonging to the Network of Shops and Galleries were either built or reconditioned. Two hundred artisans received training through the National Fund of Reciprocal Guarantees for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FONPYME in Spanish) on how to apply for funds. Furthermore, 360 artisans received loans from state-owned banks to jumpstart their socio-productive projects.
The project received an annual average of US$ 55,000, under the regular national budget and supplemental appropriations.