News

Third Melkart Market: Local handicraft celebrated in Tunis

18-05-2012

Silver, leather, tapestry, ceramics and other types of handicraft are celebrated at the third edition of the Melkart market held by the EU-funded project “Mare Nostrum” from 18 to 20 May at la Maison de l'Artisanat du Den Den, in Tunis.
 
The opening of the event coincides with International Museum Day and the closing of the Heritage Month held in Tunisia.
 
The craft galleries in the village are inspired by a recent past - where the crafts were grouped in the artisanal souks - and encompass the majority of specialties and handicrafts of Tunisia today: jewellery, glass, carpets, fused glass, furniture and ceramics. As part of the introductory and awareness workshops about crafts heritage, children will have the opportunity to learn and 'work' in the state of the art on materials that suit their fancy and passion.
 
A meeting between representatives of the civil society and artisans will focus on the best way to support their creativity, improve their product quality and strengthen their socioeconomic impact, according to a press release.
 
As a sign of development of the professions and recognition of learning, the Melkart prize will be awarded to the best works that combine innovation with authenticity and preservation of traditional raw material. A musical event will allow the discovery of traditional music. It will attract a large audience always hungry to discover, or rediscover, their heritage.
 
The name of the Phoenician king Melkart (or Melqat) - formerly adored in Tyre, Carthage Gades, Malta, the Italian islands and the Aegean and considered the founder of the city and the protector of its economic activities - will be held up during these days as a guarantee of quality, handmade and as a result of the cohesion between contemporary and ancient traditions.
 
MARE NOSTRUM aims at providing a sustainable mechanism for the protection and management of cultural heritage resources in the targeted countries, leading to an awareness of cultural heritage in the public conscience. In order to enhance cultural heritage as part of the sustainable development of Mediterranean cultural heritage, the action will adopt a holistic approach which satisfies economic and social objectives as well as high quality cultural tourism needs.
 
EuroMed Heritage IV is a €17 million EU-funded programme which contributes to the exchange of experiences on cultural heritage, creates networks and promotes cooperation with the Mediterranean Partner Countries.  (EU Neighbourhood Info)
 
Read more
 
Press release
 
MARE NOSTRUM - website
 
Euromed Heritage IV - MARE NOSTRUM
 
Euromed Heritage IV – fiche and news
 
Euromed Heritage IV – website
 


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