On Friday the office was bustling as the team arrived safely home from the New York International Gift Fair. Joining them were visitors from past projects in Colombia and South Africa.

Creata

     Meet Creata’s Director Mauricio Rincon and Project Manager Julian Huerfano, who worked with ATA for over ten years and helped artisans enter the local and global craft markets. Because of their hard work and Aid to Artisans’ influence, Julian and Mauricio were able to jump-start their own organization called Creata. They continue to train artisans in design seminars, production technique, business development, resource management, company image, and more. With these services, Creata has successfully supported artisan communities in Colombia, including livestock and manufacturing projects such as clothing and footwear that has generated over 14 million pesos of revenue.

The Africa Craft Trust

     ATA South Africa also blossomed into an independent organization called the Africa Craft Trust since 2010. Board member Mary Cockram, former ATA Director of Programs, helps both Creata and the Africa Craft Trust. Currently, among other projects, the Africa Craft Trust is working on a project called Cell Craft which would help artisans in Southern Africa get costing and pricing tips from their smartphones. Though only through the research and development stage, the team was very confident because penetration of cell phones in Africa covers 97% of the population.

Moving Forward

     The meeting between Creative Learning and Aid to Artisans’ spin off organizations Creata and the Africa Craft Trust will certainly help to create an interactive support network moving forward. The hope is that the shining success of ATA with Creata in Colombia and the Africa Craft Trust in South Africa can continue to promote the economic development of artisans in the developing world.

For more information about the Africa Craft Trust, please visit http://africacrafttrust.org.za/.

For more information about CREATA, please visit http://creata.org.co/site/