Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 10:53:05 +0200 (EET) From: Ludo Vandendriessche (ludo@katto.kaapeli.fi) To: AAicsidserv (icsid-list@kaapeli.fi) Subject: Colombia Interdesign Report Mime-Version: 1.0
With ICSID's endorsement and organized by Artesanias de Colombia, INTERDESIGN COLOMBIA 94 was held from November 23 to December 7, 1994. The venue was a magnificent colonial cloister, built in the 18th century by the Spanish.
Artesanias de Colombia is in charge of the development programs for the crafts sector within the country, and of promoting the marketing of artisanry at national and international levels. It undertakes international cooperation projects with experts and organizations in order to contribute to the improvement of the economic, social and professional level of craftsmen.
The important role which artisanry plays in Interior Design and people's lifestyles, and the constant support it requires from experts in design in order to establish an interactive relation with the crafts sector, led to the organization of this type of event dedicated to crafts production.
Positioning artisanry. INTERDESIGN COLOMBIA 94 was oriented towards the development of innovative ideas to position artisanry, not only in the domestic markets but also in international markets.
During two weeks, 30 skillful artisans from different regions of the country worked together with 20 Colombian designers and 12 internationally-recognized experts from nine countries. These were people who dedicated their knowledge and enthusiasm in a most generous cooperation project, to analyze and solve problems in craft production.
The interaction between artisans and industrial designers generated a series of innovative proposals in which the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans bridged the gap between technology and handicrafts.
Results. The results are ten new proposals which include:
* a table and coffee service
* furniture for different environments: for living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms
* lighting
* table and kitchen accessories
* craft textiles for interior decoration.
The products from workshops were exhibited in EXPOARTESANIAS 94, the largest craft fair in Latin America. It has been held in Santafe de Bogota for four consecutive years.
Lecture Cycle. Following the workshops, the international experts participated in a Lecture Cycle. They showed the relationship between crafts and design in their own countries and discussed various aspects involved in crafts and design, cultural identity and the possibilities of new markets for crafts and design products.
The event was a most enriching experience for all the participants, the artisans and the national and international designers, thanks to whom this ambitious project was made a reality.
