By Ciara Long, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Rio’s annual handicrafts fair, Rio Artes Manuais, is returning to the city for its 11th edition this week, showcasing work from more than one hundred craft experts and artists in Centro. In addition to seeing over 3,000 works from participating artists, visitors will also be able to take part in a range of workshops.
The fair, which began on Wednesday, March 15th, will run every day for four days between 10AM and 7PM, with Sunday, March 19th as its final day. This year, the arts fair is placing a spotlight on artists and creators from Rio’s interior, naming the edition ‘Lugar de Gente Feliz’ (Place of Happy People).
In addition to the exhibitions, craft workshops will run throughout the event. Visitors will be able to take part in classes including crochet, knitting, sewing and printing, as well as yoga sessions and talks with craft bloggers.
Supported by Rio’s state tourism secretariat, TurisRio, Rio Arts Manuais is taking place in Centro’s Centro de Convenções SulAmérica and expects 25,000 visitors over the four days. TurisRio said that the focus on Rio’s interior will help generate tourist interest in the area, therefore creating regional income and social development.
Nilo Sergio Felix, Rio state’s tourism secretary, said in an official statement, “Our goal is to drive more and more crafts and tourism in the interior. During Rio Manual Arts, we will be able to show the work produced by our artisans to thousands of visitors, helping them to achieve the market, and giving more visibility to their product.”
Adding, “Made of glass, paint, straw, wood, fabrics, stones and other raw materials, the works that will be exhibited and marketed at the fair will leave an impression of the culture and beauties of Rio de Janeiro’s interior.”
Rio Artes Manuais fair will continue until 7PM on Sunday, with tickets priced at R$18 and concessions available at R$9.
What: 11ª Rio Artes Manuais
When: Wednesday, March 15th to Sunday, March 19th, 10AM – 7PM
Where: Centro de Convenções SulAmérica, Av. Paulo de Frontin, 1, Cidade Nova – Centro
Entrance: R$9 – R$18