Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Arts & Crafts

The year 2023 turned out to be a historical one for the arts and crafts industry in France. Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, and Minister Delegate for Trade, Crafts, and Tourism, Olivia Grégoire announced on May 30th a massive national strategy plan totaling EUR 340 million aimed at supporting and promoting this vital industry. This landmark initiative, crafted over a three-year period, stands as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Economy. The strategy seeks to revitalize and fortify the arts and crafts sector, recognizing its indispensable role in France's economic and cultural landscape. The significance of the arts and crafts industry cannot be overstated. With over 60,000 businesses and 150,000 professionals, this industry contributed an estimated revenue of €19 billion in 2019 with €8 billion from exports alone. Understanding the potential of these traditional skills to bolster a more sustainable economy, the preservation and elevation of arts and crafts professions serve as the core of this national strategy. Set to restructure the arts and crafts landscape by 2025, the strategy engages a plethora of organizations and institutions, including the National Institute of Crafts, Chambers of Trades and Crafts, Bpifrance, Business France, and various others. By fostering collaboration between public and private entities, the strategy aims to empower the arts and crafts industry with the resources and capabilities needed for genuine structural development. The strategy is built upon five key pillars, each addressing critical aspects of the arts and crafts sector. One such pillar focuses on promoting artistic crafts to youth, recognizing the need to instill a sense of appreciation and awareness of these professions from an early age. Initiatives include expanding support for European Artistic Craft Days (JEMA) and providing 1000 internships in arts and crafts to middle school students across all regions.