This weekend the Antigua Aduana building will host an artisan fair where different Costa Rican handmade products can be purchased.

150 local artisans and 30 designers are part of the second edition of the fair “Hecho aquí con identidad”(Made here with identity). Among the products offered are: indigenous craftwork made with native elements, traditional craftworks in ceramic, wood, leather and knitted fabric; contemporary craftworks in glass, clothing design, accessories, toys, and recycled materials and when it comes to design there will be stationery and bookbinding, among others.

“This event promotes the growth of the cultural and artisan entrepreneurial  sectors and the national design, through the interrelation of the participants and the attending public”, commented Loida Pretiz, adviser of cultural entrepreneurship for the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

An exhibit of 12 selected products that were the result of the interaction between Costa Rican artisan and designers will also be displayed, these articles were chosen because they fulfilled the characteristics of identity, sustainability and originality.

Ada Acuña, director of the Artistic and Cultural Production Center of the Ministry of Culture and Youth explained that “the objective of this integration is to support the artisan, so that their creations can be, aside from original and attractive, easier to commercialize in the market, in order for them to position their products with identity and create a trend; these characteristics are in general easier to handle for designers which is why the merger allows the creation of successful entrepreneurship”.

On the other hand, “the activity is a way to support the national artisans and designers, share knowledge, generate contacts, alliances and give exposure to their creations”.

The event will be at the Antigua Aduana building on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance is free of charge.