Artisans from Unique Belize
As part of the “Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites” (MTBCAAS) project, Belzeb, Inc. in partnership with Aid to Artisans implemented the launch of the newly developed Unique Belize brand through an in Belize City. For two days, the Unique Belize Launch showcased the crafts of 30 artisans working at or near nine archeological sites in the northern and southern regions of Belize exhibited an assortment of over 200 crafts. These crafts represented a range of products from various ethnic traditions. Over 250 guests including government officials, buyers, and MTBCAAS project partners attended the launch.
Ceramic turtles for candy or jewelry, artisan Guillermo Melchor, designs inspired in his turtle whistles
Over the span of a year, ATA consultants Judy Karwacki and Daniela Viscarra, worked with artisans to help bring their crafts to the forefront of the Belizean artisan industry. The Unique Belize artisan brand launch and artworks exhibition was the culmination of the MTBCAAS project that provided internationally recognized artisan training and development to a group of Belize’s most talented artisans, as noted by Karwacki. The MTBCAAS project aims to enhance the tourism experience at the archeological sites. Unique Belize is one outcome of the “Diversification of Community Based Tourism Products and Services” component of the MTBCAAS project. This element began in November 2013 with an assessment of the Belizean craft sector, the development of small business and product development training as well as a three-month Market Readiness training program for the artisans. The resulting brand and exhibition was a celebration of Belizean craft and culture. Through Unique Belize, the artisans were able to showcase their cultural and artistic traditions and display their high level of quality craftsmanship.
Ms. Candelaria Pop from Fajina Women Group in Toledo selling her Maya traditional necklaces
Daniela Viscarra, the lead designer for Unique Belize, noted that the conceptual design and aim of the Unique Belize collection was to elevate the quality of Belizean handmade products. The exhibition also helped raise the appreciation for Belizean products and enables them to be sold at better prices.
This project was made possible by funding from the European Union and the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, for a close collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).
All of these photographs were taken by Alejandro Tovar.