The Vice-Presidency of the Government, through the Regional Centre for Handicrafts (CRAA), promotes the participation of the Azores and regional craft companies in the Lisbon International Craft Fair (FIA) that will run June 23 to July 1. 
The participation of CRAA in the Lisbon International Craft Fair aims to promote Azorean handicrafts and artisans with a view to reaching new audiences. For nine days, the event will bring together not only arts and crafts professionals and lovers, but also those interested in handicrafts as a cultural manifestation, registering more than 100 thousand visitors.
 
The 13 regional Craft Production Units (UPAs) participating in the event come from the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial and Graciosa. They will showcase works in the most different craft areas, including embroidery, lace, fish scales, whale, "lapinhas" (sea-themed nativity scene), ceramics, jewellery, wood and confectionary.
 
The "Azores Handicrafts" stand will display the new collections of pieces produced under the "Creative Residency 2017 - wood cut and inlay works," an initiative held on the island of Terceira that involved the participation of artisans Susana Almeida and Francisco Pereira, and product designer Susana António.
 
The creation of small pieces and using woods such as cryptomeria, acacia or beech reveals the economic potential of objects produced from materials and techniques that are typical in the Region with a renewed aesthetic concept. 
 
This event is one of the most important platforms for the promotion and business of Azorean craft companies, promoting the exhibition and sale of traditional products as well as rural development and the relation of natural resources with culture and tourism.
 
Handicrafts are growing dynamically in the Azores with the emergence of new companies and job creation, playing a relevant role in change, renovation and repositioning of the collective brand - "Azores Handicrafts."
 
This exhibition will be open to the public until July 1. The Exhibition area (Pavilion 2) may be visited between 3 PM and 12 AM and the Gastronomy Area (Pavilion 4) from 12:30 PM to 12 AM.