Ponta Delgada, April 15, 2019
The Regional Center for Handicrafts promotes the Creative Residence in Matiz Embroidery
The Vice-Presidency of the Government, through the Regional Center for Handicrafts (CRAA), promotes the Creative Residence in Matiz Embroidery, between April and December, in Ponta Delgada.
This Residence is dedicated to the innovation and market repositioning of the Matiz Embroidery of São Miguel, aiming to valorize this artisanal production whose quality and origin have been certified since 1998 – it was the first handmade product to be certified – and it is, as such, an integral part of a cultural heritage that must be preserved.
The Matiz Embroidery, traditional of the island of S. Miguel, dates back to the 30s of the 20th century and is characterized by asymmetrical floral motifs that, in a certain way, recreate the oriental faience ornamentation using only two shades of blue.
This is the 8th edition of the project Residências Criativas, through which CRAA intends to encourage the creation of new products with a significant and differentiating artisan component, generating sustainability for artisans’ work and the possibility of reaching new markets.
The initiative also contributes to the promotion of techniques, materials and products developed by designers and artisans, in a creative dynamic between traditional knowledge and design.
For this Residence was invited the product designer Susana António, with work recognized nationally and internationally, that will work with the artisans of Mário dos Reis Rodrigo Embroidery Factory, the Handicraft Cooperative Senhora da Paz, the Casa de Trabalho do Nordeste and with the artisan Maria da Paixão Resendes.
The artisans and the designer will have the opportunity to work together, develop new ideas, innovate and create prototype pieces that later will be perfected and developed in work context, and later for commercialization.
GaCS / VPGR