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WIPO Hosts Exhibition on Colombian Arts and Crafts

Geneva, September 22, 2006
Press Releases PR/2006/456

A unique exhibition showcasing Colombia's dynamic arts and crafts sector will open at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on September 25, 2006, 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.

WIPO Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, said "The works featured in this exhibition bear witness to the artistry, originality, resilience and creativity of Colombian artisans. For generations, gifted Colombian artisans, have skillfully embraced traditional methods to craft a variety of functional and ornamental products such as baskets, pottery, leather goods, and weavings. The diversity of artistic forms featured in this exhibition is a reflection of the vitality of the artisan sector and the pride of the Colombian people in their traditional work." He added, "I should like to thank the Colombian Government, in particular, Colombia's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, as well as Artesanías de Colombia, and Colombia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, for their generosity in sharing with us this remarkable exhibition."

Dr. Idris said the Colombian Government and Artesanías de Colombia "have contributed to the development of the artisan sector by fostering technological improvements, research, product development, and training. These initiatives have helped to strengthen Colombia's creative economy and to promote Colombian handicrafts internationally."

Colombian handicrafts are a colorful expression of the rich mix and depth of Colombia's cultural heritage, the Director General said, noting that this sector is a major source of employment. "The time and energy invested in the crafts sector is a measure of the dynamism of Colombian culture and its growing importance as a source of national revenue and pride," he said.

Dr. Idris said "It is our mission at WIPO to foster creativity and to provide the means of protecting the fruits of creative expression. The international intellectual property system is a key element in establishing an environment in which artists the world over are able to protect their works and obtain just remuneration for their efforts while ensuring that the public is able to benefit from such artistic genius and enjoy more beautiful surroundings. The intellectual property system is also an important means by which to ensure the preservation of the world's cultural patrimony; one colorful aspect of which is featured in this exhibition."

"The creative industries in Colombia are a substantial resource that, managed strategically, promise to generate significant benefits both for artisans and the broader population. The intellectual property system has a key role to play in harvesting these economic benefits and in preserving the country's national patrimony for future generations both in Colombia and beyond," the Director General said.

The exhibition features objects which exemplify Colombian artisanal talent and creativity across a wide range of sectors – basketry, ceramics, wood-work, and silverware. These exhibits come from different parts of the country.

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.

Founded in May 1964, Artesanías de Colombia is part of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Its seeks to foster the competitiveness of the artisanal sector with a view to improving the quality of life of artisanal communities, to preserve and breathe new life into the nation's living cultural heritage and to promote environmental sustainability. In fulfilling its mission, Artesanías de Colombia works closely with government, regional and local organizations, the private sector, foundations and international institutions. As a government institution, Artesanías de Colombia formulates development policies, and spearheads and coordinates strategic plans and programs. It works closely with the public and private sectors to develop the resources necessary for the sector to flourish.

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.

For further information please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at:

  • Tel: (+41 22) - 338 81 61 or 338 95 47
  • Fax: (+41 22) - 338 88 10
  • Email: publicinf@wipo.int.
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