This August, Aid to Artisans had one of its best showings at NY NOW™. Products from Mexico, Myanmar, Haiti, China, Nepal and Turkey headlined the booth as ATA saw overall sales total of $60,000, a 10% increase from the February 2015 show. With its vibrant textiles and unique handcrafted homewares, products from Mexico were the best sellers at ATA’s trademark orange booth.
ATA Mexico exhibited for a fourth time, including products from several brands that they have connected with artisans in Chiapas and introduced a product collection from a new project with artisans in Puebla called Idea+Materia. With an eclectic mix of products including purses, pillows, clothing apparel, glassware and items for home décor, Mexchic, Unión de Artesanos de Los Altos, M de México and Artemateria, made a strong statement at this year’s exhibition.
Dropenling, based in China, is a social enterprise designed to provide sustainable, long-term solutions to the promotion and preservation of traditional local culture. Their collection of unique and colorful dolls, toys, and bags are a wonderful addition to the ATA booth.
With its fusion of traditional weaving techniques and modern textile design, Chin Chili exhibited beautifully woven textiles, table runners and purses crafted by artisans in Myanmar.
Making their first NY NOW appearance, the Janakpur Women’s Development Center (Nepal) and Soma Artisans (Turkey),included products ranging from plush toys and satchels to wall hangings perfect for home décor. An organization built to create sustainable solutions to support and empower its artisans, the Janakpur Women’s Development Center works with women from Maithil culture in the Janakpur area. Residing in the mining town of Soma, Manisa, Turkey, Soma Artisans, which is an initiative of Anatolian Artisans, a non-profit organization based in Bethesda, Maryland, provides economic opportunities for women in that region.
Aid to Artisans also held its annual reception during the show. The event was well attended by exhibitors, buyers and other members of the artisan community. During the reception, Aid to Artisans launched Aid to Artisans U, an online platform for the artisan community.
Thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to attending NY NOW again in February 2016. If you are interested in attending NY NOW as an exhibitor in our booth, an MRP participant, or just as a good ATA friend, please contact us here.
