Mexico City — As part of the Mexico Plan, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo launched a groundbreaking support program for artisans across the country, benefiting 140% more creators than in previous years. The initiative includes interest-free loans, broader access to fair trade markets, and comprehensive training in partnership with the National Fund for the Promotion of Handicrafts (FONART) and the Original showcase platform.
The president emphasized that this effort not only strengthens the economy of Indigenous communities but also preserves their cultures through folk art. “It’s a noble program that recovers the culture of Indigenous peoples through their own creations while promoting wellbeing,” Sheinbaum stated, underlining the need to eliminate intermediaries and guarantee fair pricing for each handcrafted piece.
The program will start with an investment of 500 million pesos in loans distributed by the Financial Institution for Wellbeing (Finabien), benefiting over 17,000 women artisans from the Amuzgo region. FONART will also provide an additional 15 million pesos in direct commissions for 3,733 artisans, while the Original showcases will include 1,250 more participants, including 273 collectives.
Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza noted that this strategy elevates artisan work to a central role in public policy, focusing on sustainable production, direct commercialization, certification of pieces, and expanding physical and digital points of sale. New stores will be opened in museums, airports, hotels, cruise ships, and e-commerce platforms.
In addition, a national census of artisans and a regional raw material needs map will be conducted. The program also offers tools, export support, invoicing assistance, wholesale opportunities, and direct links with buyers. From June 12 to 15, the first Decorative and Utilitarian Art Encounter will be held at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex with free admission.
