The fourth edition of Craft + Design Meeting (Artesanía + Diseño, A+D), organised by the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts (IPA), will take place in Asunción from 21 to 31 July 2026. The 2026 edition goes under the theme “Living Rituals of Creation”. The programme includes an exhibition, and an academic seminar exploring the future of craftsmanship, design, and cultural innovation. The event aims to strengthen Paraguay’s craft sector. The event is free and open to the public.
Craftsmanship and contemporary design
The first activity will be the Craft + Design Exhibition, held from 21 to 31 July at the Domingo Martínez de Irala Hall in the Manzana de la Rivera Cultural Centre in Asunción. The exhibition will present projects that combine traditional artisan techniques with modern design approaches. The display will feature creative processes and collaborative experiences that demonstrate how artisans work with new products while still preserving traditional skills. According to the IPA, these partnerships help keep ancestral knowledge relevant in contemporary markets.
Seminar with international speakers
The event’s main academic activity will take place on 23 July, from 10:00 to 17:30 at the Spanish Cultural Centre in Asunción (CCEJA). The Craft + Design Seminar will gather Paraguayan and international specialists. The seminar will feature keynote lectures, presentations, and panel discussions exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the craft sector. Topics will include collaboration between artisans and designers, the role of craftsmanship in community development, strategies for expanding handmade products into international markets, and the value of craft objects in everyday life. Participants will also discuss how financial institutions can support artisans and entrepreneurs by encouraging innovation while preserving cultural identity.
About the Craft + Design Meeting
Since its launch in 2021, the Craft + Design Meeting has become one of Paraguay’s leading forums for exchanging ideas within the country’s artisan sector. Organisers describe the initiative as a space that promotes innovation without losing sight of traditional knowledge. After all, craftsmanship can act as both a form of living cultural heritage and a contributor to sustainable economic development.
The 2026s theme, “Living Rituals of Creation”, reflects that vision by presenting craftsmanship as more than a production process. Instead, organisers say it represents a practice that preserves collective memory, strengthens identity, and creates opportunities for collaborative innovation. The IPA says the meeting also aims to build stronger networks among artisans, designers, researchers, and cultural entrepreneurs.
Registration for the seminar is available through an online form, while admission to all activities is free.
