The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Handicraft Fair (SIAO) is hosting a competition for the Thomas Sankara Creativity Prize, which recognizes talent, innovation, and ingenuity in artisanal works. The competition features 50 works from 6 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, and Congo-Brazzaville. These works are on display at the Thomas Sankara Creativity Pavilion.
Badolo Agarba, president of the jury and deputy managing director of the Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-BF), has expressed satisfaction with the quality of the works in competition. According to her, the artisans have made significant improvements in the finish and quality of their creations. However, she noted some insufficiencies in the finish of certain works, which will be addressed after the results are announced.
The jury president emphasized the importance of quality and finish in the artisanal works, recommending that artisans visit the pavilion to observe the selected creations and pay attention to the finish. She encouraged artisans to focus on quality, stating "The finish, the quality, and only the quality." The competition will award several distinctions to the top three winners.
In addition to evaluating the creations, Badolo Agarba is also responsible for ensuring their proper conservation and display. She regularly tours the pavilion to ensure that the works are well arranged and that everything is in order. The maintenance of cleanliness and protection of the creations from visitor handling are also daily concerns.
The jury president expressed concern about visitors entering the pavilion with drinks or water sachets, despite the rules in place. However, she praised the support of the security personnel in monitoring the pavilion. The Thomas Sankara Creativity Prize aims to promote innovation and excellence in artisanal works.
The competition is part of the SIAO, which brings together artisans and craftsmen from across Africa. The event provides a platform for artisans to showcase their creations and compete for recognition. The SIAO has become a major event in the region, promoting African culture and craftsmanship.
The winners of the Thomas Sankara Creativity Prize will be announced after the evaluation process is completed. The prize is a significant recognition of the artisans' skills and creativity, and it is expected to inspire future generations of artisans. The event will continue to promote African culture and craftsmanship, highlighting the importance of innovation and quality in artisanal works.
Key points
- The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Handicraft Fair features a competition for the Thomas Sankara Creativity Prize, with 50 works from 6 African countries.
