International Arts and Crafts Fair

Arts and Crafts Fair, International

October-November, every two years

Burkina Faso, a small sub-Saharan African country with limited natural resources, is continually seeking ways to boost its economy. The International Arts and Crafts Fair, which takes place in the capital city, Ouagadougou, is part of a national development plan that heavily promotes the African handicraft sector. Along with showcasing the works of BurkinabÉ craftspeople, the 10-day exposition also displays crafts from over 30 other African countries as well as European and Asian nations. Organizers have reported annual attendance totals at over 350,000, making it one of the world's largest handicraft fairs.
The International Arts and Crafts Fair was founded in 1988 by the Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO), a government organization, and over the years the group has helped expand the Fair's capacity. Exporters from all over the world have traveled to the fair to peruse the many statues, textiles, leatherwork, jewelry, pottery, and ceramics on display. Ever year the SIAO has ensured that an international forum remains a fixture at the exposition. This forum creates opportunities for craftspeople and other industry figures to discuss and seek solutions to ongoing issues in the international handicraft market.

CONTACTS:
Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair
Directorate-General
01 BP 3414
Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
www.siao.bf/english/index.htm