Gozo Artisan Network – Association of Gozitan artisans, which has just been set up in a pilot project is aimed at encouraging local artisans to join forces to strengthen the sector and create a certified quality brand for their products.

During the launch, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said that the first priorities of this association will be to launch a public call for artisans in Gozo who wish to join, and organising itself so that their members benefit from the opportunities.

The Gozo Artisan Network will bring together professional and experienced people working in the field of arts and crafts, and other handcrafted products.

Within this association, which is being regulated by statute, a quality label linked to the Gozitan territory is also being launched. The association within the pilot project is made up of five members representing the arts and crafts sector, and other handicraft products in Gozo.

Camilleri went on to explain that the Gozo Artisan Network is being set up through a pilot project within the Interreg Europe Destination SMEs project. The Project Destination SMEs is funded by the funds of the Interreg Europe Program 2014-2020, started in March 2016 and will come to an end in March 2021.

The Ministry for Gozo is taking part in this project with 6 other partners which are – Regional Tourist Development Board of Auvergne – France, Grand Paradis Foundation – Italy, Cork County Council – Ireland, Regional Council of North Karelia – Finland, Vidzeme Planning Region – Latvia and Institute for Culture, Tourism and Sport Murska Sobota – Slovenia.

Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that the Ministry for Gozo had received around €208,471 to enable this initiative to be completed which was divided into three phases; a policy was drawn up, an action plan based on the results of this policy, and the pilot project was subsequently applied to implement this plan.

The ultimate goal of this pilot project is that after the association and the quality mark are established, other people working in this sector in Gozo and producing quality products will be able to join as members and benefit from the support and promotion of an official network.

The members within this association will be able to work and promote their small enterprises as part of the Gozo destination both nationally and internationally.

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