Exhibition on Colombian Arts and Crafts Opens at WIPO
Geneva, September 26, 2006
Press Releases PR/2006/459
A unique exhibition showcasing Colombia’s dynamic arts and crafts sector opened on Monday evening, September 25, 2006, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), coinciding with the opening day of the annual session of the WIPO Assemblies. The exhibition, “Arts and Crafts of Colombia,” has been organized jointly by WIPO and the Colombian Government and highlights a colorful and vibrant sector of the Colombian economy.
While viewing the exhibition, Dr. Idris said Colombian handicrafts are a colorful expression of the rich mix and depth of Colombia’s cultural heritage. He praised the originality and resilience of Colombian artisans, which over the generations have skillfully embraced traditional methods to craft a variety of functional and ornamental products. In her remarks at the opening of the exhibition, Deputy Director General, Mrs. Rita Hayes, said WIPO was proud to host such an extraordinary collection of arts and crafts from Colombia.
Ambassador Clemencia Forero Ucros, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations in Geneva, said “Colombian crafts constitute the ultimate representation of the culture, idiosyncrasy and the folklore of Colombia, an achievement which has been reached through the years by the hard work that about 350,000 compatriots have developed , and which provide for the living of a high percentage of their families.” Ambassador Ucros said WIPO was a fitting setting for such an exhibition, noting “For a country like Colombia, with its numerous artistic expressions, many of which originated in the pre-Colombian culture and have been preserved and transmitted throughout the generations, it is of great importance to pursue the work hand-in-hand with WIPO, for the protection of our cultural expressions.”
The exhibition features fine hand-made items combining diverse techniques. Among the basic materials used are wood, cotton thread, silver, fabric, seeds, fibers, resin, clay, ceramics and leather. These exhibits come from different parts of the country. For more information, please see https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/prdocs/2006/wipo_pr_2006_456.html l
The objects have been drawn from the collection of Artesanías de Colombia, a government institution responsible for the development of the artisanal sector in Colombia. The mission of Artesanías de Colombia is to promote and develop all social, economic, educational and cultural activities linked to the advancement of the country’s artisans and its craft industries. Artesanías de Colombia General Manager, Mrs. Paola Andrea Muñoz, and Director of International Cooperation, Mrs. María Teresa Marroquín, also attended the opening of the exhibition.
Colombia’s craft sector counts approximately 350,000 artisans some 60% of which come from rural and indigenous areas and some 65% of which are women. Close to one million people earn a living from handicrafts.
The exhibition is open to the public from September 26, 2006 until October 12, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at (+ 41 22) 338 81 61, 228 95 47 Fax: (+41 22) 338 82 80, E-mail: publicinf@wipo.int.