1.0 Introduction
Realizing the role Cultural Industries, especially Arts and Crafts play in fast tracking rural economic development of nations, the National Council for Arts and Culture initiated the African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo in 2008, designed to hold annually in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Conservative estimates indicate that over 70% of the total population of Africa are rural dwellers who engage in farming along with various forms of Crafts Production, including Metal Crafts, Pottery, Carving, Textile, Weaving, Spinning, embroidery, Leather works, Raffia weaving, Basketry, Bead and glass works, Calabash decoration, Blacksmithing, Bronze and brass casting, Tie and dye among others. These constitute major aspects of our rural industries in the form of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises which are fundamental to stimulating economic and industrial development.
The last three edition generated lots of interest and participation as well as standard and quality of designs and products. This a platform that has great potentials towards growing the economy of the rural African populace as well as assisting towards African integration.
2.0 4th Edition of the African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo 2011
Comes up in May 16th - 31st, 2011 will take place in Abuja for a period of 15 days. It is envisaged that over five thousand crafts entrepreneurs from Nigeria and most African countries and beyond are expected to showcase their creativity to the delight of over one million visitors (domestic and foreign) expected during the period of the Expo. The creativity fiesta shall highlight exquisite showcasing of the rich and diverse African crafts, cuisine, fashion and cultural displays from various part of African Region and all the States of the Federation. This will no doubt provide great opportunities for effective and focused incentives and mileage for investors, marketers, and manufacturers. Furthermore, it is a platform that will stimulate the growth of our tourism industry and the economy in general.
3.0 Theme for 2011:
Promoting Craft Industry for Economic Transformation
4.0 Scope:
The Exhibition will showcase the best of our handicrafts and designs from all the participating countries from Africa and beyond. Such include: Interior Decor, apparels, garments and embroidery, Household utensils, Jewelleries, Brass and metal, leather and fibre designs, Ceramics and Pottery, Cuisines, Traditional African Music/dance
5.0 The Investment Forum:
It is a fora designed to stimulate insight and indept discourse on the production, packaging and marketing processes of crafts while the Special Day provides an avenue for Exhibitors to showcase and project the wide range of products to the public; including product launch which on the long run increases chances of investment opportunities.
6.0 Invitation:
Participation shall be drawn from all of the African countries, other regions of the world, the 36 States of the Federation and FCT, all 774 Local Government Areas, Artists Guilds, Nigeria Crafts Council (NCC), NGOs specializing in the crafts industry, manufacturers of textiles and garments, investors, Nigerian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Fashion houses, relevant Tertiary Institutions, Designers, Medium and Small Scale Industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. All are invited to be part of this unique major regional Crafts Expo, which has great economic prospects for the African continent.
For participation details please contact:
National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)
Plot 1370 Ukpo Close, Off Oro Ago Crescent
Off Muhammad Buhari Way, Garki II District,
P. M. B. 252, Garki - Abuja, Tel 09-6706861
email: info@ncac.gov.ng, www.ncac.gov.ng
