The event, supported by the UN and EU, aims to transform Tunis into a regional hub for art and design while boosting export opportunities for a key economic sector.
The second edition of the Tunisian crafts fair “ARTICREA” opened Monday at the Kram Exhibition Park, inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, Sofiène Tekaïa. The salon will run until October 12, 2025.
Positioning itself as the first professional fair in Tunisia dedicated exclusively to artisanal crafts, ARTICREA is designed to champion the nation’s crafts sector—a vital pillar of the national economy. The event aims to highlight the exceptional skill of Tunisian artisans and stimulate new export and international marketing opportunities.
According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDI), a partner in the fair, ARTICREA serves as a “unique showcase of Tunisia’s creative wealth and artisanal heritage.” The event features over 150 exhibitors representing 76 distinct artisanal trades found across the country, including plant fiber work, woodworking, wrought iron, blown glass, clay, stone, and numerous other specialties.
UNIDI’s involvement comes through the “Creative Tunisia” project, which is funded by the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation under the European program Tounes Wijhetouna.
Beyond the main exhibition floor, the fair’s program includes a series of thematic conferences led by renowned national and international experts. These sessions will focus on the sector’s potential, emerging trends, and concrete export pathways.
Through ARTICREA, Tunisia seeks to enhance the international visibility of its craft enterprises and facilitate direct connections with buyers, distributors, and influencers from around the world. The strategic goal is to establish Tunis as the capital of craft and design in the Maghreb, leveraging its geographic position as a convergence point just hours by air from Europe, the Maghreb, and sub-Saharan Africa.
The Tunisian crafts sector is a significant economic driver, generating over 150 million dinars in exports (2022), providing more than 7,000 direct jobs, and contributing 4.5% to the national GDP. With nearly 300,000 artisans, the sector blends a centuries-old heritage with contemporary innovation, establishing itself as a key player in the nation’s cultural and creative industries.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
