Guide to Organizing Craft Festival
Transcription
Guide to Organizing Craft Festival
Small Business Development, June 2007 GUIDE TO ORGANIZING CRAFT FESTIVALS Nam LaMore, Peace Corps Volunteer in Khemisset Morocco 2005-2007 This guide was written with contributions from Small Business Development PCVs Veronika Soul, Rachel Beach, Jessica DeVreeze, Deanedra McMillan, Jehan Khaleeli, Lisa Smith, Andrea Luecke, Lindsay Kurlak, others; Program Staff Bouchra El Achkar and Tariq Doukkali; and Programming & Training Officer Gordon Mengel TABLE OF CONTENTS Preparing and attending a craft festival serves all three goals of the Peace Corps, and is a direct manifestation of the First Goal of the Peace Corps: “Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.” I. PREPARATIONS FOR THE CRAFT FESTIVAL A. Assemble a Team B. Inviting PCVs & Artisans C. Funding & Partnerships D. Transportations, Part I E. Lodging & Meals F. Invitation Letter G. Events Schedule & Cheat Sheet H. Publicity & Promotional Tools I. Packing List J. Resources K. Professionalism & Work Ethics, Part I II. DURING THE CRAFT FESTIVAL A. Photography & Documentation B. Set-up/Tear-down C. Finance/Money Matters D. Table/Booth Assignments E. Table/Booth Displays F. Workshop & Training Sessions G. Attendance/Participation Certificate H. Transportation, Part II I. Professionalism & Work Ethics, Part II III. POST CRAFT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES A. Thank You B. Reports C. Feedback D. Follow-ups & Visits E. Host Discussions In-Site IV. APPENDIX A. Craft Festival Schedule for 2006 B. Logistics (AIWA Christmas Bazaar, Zagora Craft Festival) C. Invitation Letter D. Marketing/Promotional Tools E. Craft Fair Report for Participating PCVs – Template F. Craft Festivals Comparative: Zagora, Rabat, Saidia and Marrakech Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 2 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PREPARATION FOR THE CRAFT FESTIVAL ASSEMBLE A TEAM Recruit Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) and Host Country Nationals (HCNs) to help. Others have experience & skills the organizer may not have, including: Language proficiency Graphics design/layout An eye for detail Technical skills Marketing experience Organizational/management skills Pay attention to group dynamics, but a good team will have members who are: Flexible Reasonable Responsible Motivated to learn and transfer skills Get a history of craft festivals in the region or town. Talk with previous festival attendees about what they liked about previous festivals, and how the planning can be improved. Try to understand the “timing” of previous festivals: why was it held at that time of the year? Are there constraints on the date? For example, peaks in tourism, religious event [moussem], climate, etc may influence dates of the festival. FUNDING SOURCES Partner with appropriate groups for possible funding: Peace Corps. Know who the “sponsoring” program staff is – this is the arbiter should conflicts arise with other groups or between PCVs. In addition to the sector‟s program staff (who will communicate to other administrative and sectors‟ program staff), contact PCV Committees (GAD, SIDA, etc) as appropriate for possible workshop & training sessions. Funding may be available through SPA grants, Ambassadors‟ Fund, etc. Check with program staff. Ministry of Tourism. This is usually the delegate, but may be someone in that office. The Delegation and Chamber of Artisana are under the umbrella Ministry of Tourism, but they have different responsibilities, with possible funding and helpful contacts. Funding is often available through various ministries. Within the Ministry of Tourism are the Delegation and Chambre d‟artisanat. Entraide Nationale‟s mission is to provide assistance with women welfare development projects and may assist with donation of services and/or lending of equipments. Work with the counterpart or delegate to explore funding options within the community and government agencies. NGOs. PCVs may need to work with other NGOs, but usually someone in the delegation is the liaison between the NGO and the PCV. Some NGOs include UNESCO, Aid-to-Artisans, etc. INVITING PCVs & ARTISANS Determining which PCVs and artisans are to attend a craft festival will take a few, complicated steps. These steps may include: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 3 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Polling for interest. Once the general dates & town (or region) of the craft festival are determined, poll PCVs for possible attendance interest. Poll for interest based on availability of complete, partial or no funding. Provide brief history of craft festival in the initial communication to help PCVs/artisans determine interest in attending. Develop a matrix to help determine budget (estimated cost of transport, lodging, meals), craft diversity, etc. Collect data and present to vested parties, including Peace Corps program staff, delegate, etc. During this initial communication, it is important for PCVs to note in their polled responses if there are special needs of or considerations for the artisans they are nominating to attend the craft festival. For example, PCVs may request an additional artisan or two to attend if artisans are physically challenged, women from remote sites who would never travel on their own, or those with a speech impediment and need another as translator/interpreter. If possible, then organizing PCV should note the possible market to help PCVs and artisans decide if the craft festival is appropriate for them to attend. For example, a craft festival where many overseas-families vacation will likely expect higher quality products; PCVs must determine if products from their artisans are appropriate for such a craft festival. NB: This exercise in no way guarantees specific sites/artisans are invited, or funding is available. Program staff will notify other sectors as appropriate. PCVs from other sectors may be interested in attending; however, priority needs to be given within the sector, and program staff from other sectors may not approve as involvement may delude other sectors’ program objectives & goals. AIWA BAZAAR 2006, PCV Nam LaMore polling PCV community for interest: Regular Updates and Call to Action. Some PCVs do not have daily Internet access (living allowance does not cover daily cyber visits) or Internet in-site; factor this into the planning phase when communicating with PCVs, and expecting them to respond to requests for info. In each communication, inform PCVs when the next update is expected so they can plan ahead on when they need to check/respond to emails. This avoids email backlog and unnecessary stress for both organizing and participating PCVs. Reality Check. Work closely with program staff and delegation to review the list of PCVs/artisans interested in attending. This is likely to go through several revisions and many factors determine the final list of artisans and PCVs who will be attending, including: Experience. Artisans and PCVs may be invited to attend a craft festival to gain experience or share their skills with less experienced artisans and PCVs. Craft diversity. It is important to have craft diversity for a successful craft festival, unless it is a craft-specific festival. Budget. NB: not all PCVs are able to accompany artisans from their sites to the craft festival. Confirmation. Get confirmation from every PCV and artisan who have been invited and plan to attend; and manage a “waiting list” for possible cancellations. Confirm with each PCV/artisan the week before the festival, and the day before PCVs and artisans are expected to travel/leave site. NB: PCVs attending the craft festival must get the Work-Related Leave Request Form signed by the delegate and send to program staff prior to leaving site. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 4 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Logistics. Provide PCVs and artisans with all the logistics necessary to attend the craft festival: transportation/directions, lodging, events & meetings schedule, etc COS-ing & Just Sworn-in PCVs. Some craft festivals may be planned as PCVs are COS-ing (Close-of Service). Pay special attention to these sites. If the site is “renewed” (a new PCV is replacing the COS-ing PCV), then ask the COS-ing PCV to forward all relevant information to the new PCV. If the communication between COSing and just sworn-in PCVs is not transparent, then assess and involve the just swornin PCV but do not overwhelm him/her. If necessary, get program staff to facilitate so that artisans still have the opportunity to attend the craft festival. This is the first in a series of communications to PCVs for AIWA BAZAAR 2006: EVENT: AIWA BAZAAR WHAT: American International Women's Association (AIWA) Bazaar 2006 (aka Second Annual Rabat American School Winter Craft Fair/Festival) WHEN: 11:00 – 16:00, Saturday, December 9, 2006 This is a one-day event. WHERE: Gymnasium of the Rabat American School Address: 1 Bis Rue Emir Ibn Abdelkader / Agdal, 10000 / Rabat WHO/CONTACTS: Nam LaMore (coordinating for Volunteers/Peace Corps), 077 11 34 07 / nam@lamore.net Bouchra el Achkar, Program Manager/Small Business Development Program, Peace Corps Connie McDaniel, Liaison to AIWA Bazaar FUNDING: NO FUNDING IS AVAILABLE. AIWA has generously waved fees for tables and workers (Peace Corps and artisans) at the bazaar for Peace Corps. There is absolutely NO funding available for transportation, lodging, or food from the Ministry, Peace Corps, or AIWA. Funding sources to explore by each Volunteer/artisan: cooperative/association members, Chamber of Artisana, community fund-raising, etc. LOGISTICS: SET-UP/TEAR-DOWN Free entrance for 2 people/table before 10:00 for set-up; others can come later but need to pay the entrance fee (I don‟t have this answer yet). OVERNIGHT/LODGING OPTIONS I am currently researching lodging options; last year‟s group (after failed attempts at securing free lodging within YD‟s Ministry contracts) stayed at the Hotel Velleda. Hotel Velleda, 037 76 95 31, 106 Avenue Allal Ben Abdallah / Rabat (room rates: 89120dh/night). OTHER DATES TO CONSIDER: Nov 27: Close-Of-Service for 2nd Year Volunteers Dec 4-6: Mid-Service Medical for Volunteers in Rabat BACKGROUND: (2nd Year PCVs Andy Allen & Victoria Wilson provided most of this section) In total, 2005/last year‟s sales was about 35,000 dirhams. The items that sold best were high quality products between 50 to 200 dirhams. Most of the buyers are Americans looking for interesting Christmas presents that are reasonably priced and not too difficult to transport. As a whole, our products were much better than anyone else's and that is why we are being invited back. Basically, high quality products at reasonable prices or cheap interesting but still quality Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 5 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 products as stocking stuffers will sell. The big, bulky, high priced items have little chance. Traditional items that often appear unattractive to Westerners such as bulky carpets with odd colors and traditional items like tahruets did not sell well. On advertising: Brian Perusse produced a brochure that was good. He basically listed the date, times, and location of the fair as well as that we were supporting rural artisans, so buyers would be getting products directly from the makers. Peace Corps printed out the brochures and then distributed them for us in Rabat. We did a day long training the day before at the volunteer lounge with the assistance of ATA. The textiles that Lindsay [Tameslohte] works with sold very well and so did Yousseff's [Azrou] rock lamps. Yousseff sold about 14 lamps to someone he met that day who decided to visit his store in Azrou and check out all of his products a week after the fair. I also think that Lee (or his replacement), Lisa [Boujad] and Lindsay's [Tameslohte] artisans could sell well. I think your wood guy [Khemisset] will do well if he brings some of the smaller items and tables. He could bring an item list of other stuff, as most of the clients have cars and would have no trouble driving to Khemisset to pick up some bigger items. OPEN QUESTIONS/NEED RESOLUTIONS: Should we have a day-long training session(s) the day before the bazaar? Who will conduct the session(s)? Who will participate? Objectives/goals of session(s)? (All to provide input to Nam) Research lodging options? Costs? (Nam) Since 2nd Year Volunteers are COSing, who will bridge/communicate with artisans from these sites? (COSing PCVs) Each Volunteer is responsible for submitting signed Request Form for Work-Related (Appendix K) to Bouchra for the out-of-site log. (All) Request copy of last year‟s brochure. (Nam) Solicit PCV co-coordinator. (Anyone have time to help me sort this?) CALL TO ACTION (Current Volunteers): ASAP: Please read the entire document; now, share the information with your artisans, counterpart, delegate/delegation, etc. By Sunday night/Nov 5: As space is limited, please let me know if you intent to participate or send an artisan to the AIWA Bazaar; don‟t need specific names as yet – just need to determine who/which site is interested in attending AND what craft products (carpets, wood products, fossils, handbags, etc) you plan to be selling. What other information do you need to determine if you plan to participate, plan your budget, etc? If you‟ve already determined not to attend or send artisans, then I also need this information so I can put a ticker next to you name/site that you are not participating (optional: cite reason for the comment box). By Sunday night/Nov 26: Need to confirm if you are participating or not. Send questions/comments to me (nam@lamore.net) as you have them, I would like to consolidate all questions/comments and bring to Connie‟s (AIWA) and Bouchra‟s (Peace Corps) attention on Monday/October 30th. By Sunday night/Dec 3: Need names of Volunteers and artisans to submit to Connie (AIWA) to prepare name tags (Hello, My Name is …) for free entry into Bazaar for set-up. Saturday/Dec 9: AIWA Bazaar POST-EVENT: In addition to, or separate from the Monthly Report, each Volunteer to provide Bouchra with Volunteer/artisan feedback, amount/what sold, photos, etc; I will also need this info for a wrap-up report. DAYS TO EVENT (as of Oct 22): 48 days ### PCV Rachel Beach spearheaded the Zagora Craft Festival, May 2007. Planning and updated communications for the AIWA BAZAAR and Zagora Craft Festival can be found in the APPENDIX section. Review these communications for examples of organizing craft festivals. TRANSPORTATION, PART I If transportation is budgeted for the craft festival, then logistics may need to be arranged for PCVs and artisans. This may include negotiating number of buses, rendezvous points & approximate pick-up times, fuel/distance covered, etc. For multiple pick-up points, it is necessary to assign a coordinator traveling on the bus to contact a point-person at each pick-up point in order to communicate delays, expected arrivals, color/type of bus to look for, etc. This coordinator can also communicate or arrange for bags unclaimed/left on bus to be delivered to their owners. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 6 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 If transportation is budgeted and no transportation is pre-arranged, then reimbursements for estimated costs can be done prior or during the craft festival. Ask for (when possible) and retain receipts for reimbursement purposes. If transportation is not budgeted, then PCVs and artisans are expected to arrive at the craft festival on their own, in time for the meeting and/or set-up. NB: In general, there is no craft festival funding (reimbursement) for transportations, lodging and meals for PCVs. LODGING & MEALS Lodging and meals should be determined and communicated to everyone before their arrival at the craft festival. For reasons of cultural norms, it is recommended that PCVs and artisans have different lodging arrangements. Should PCVs and artisans stay in the same place, then cultural norms need to be observed at all times. If lodging is arranged for artisans, then make sure it is clean and has basic facilities. Generally, separate lodgings are required for men and women artisans. If staying in the same place, then separate “wings” or floors should be made available for artisans coming from more conservative backgrounds. If meals are provided for (either per diem or arranged), then communicate this with all PCVs and artisans prior to their arrival. Assign/rotate booth duties to PCVs are artisans so everyone has a chance to eat or take a break. Hungry/tired PCVs and artisans can create unpleasant interactions with festival attendees. Some artisans may insist on bringing their own buta-gaz tanks to prepare meals or tea – this is generally unacceptable and should be discouraged. NB: Lodging receipts are necessary for reimbursement purposes. NB: Lodging and craft festival areas are considered training sites; thus, all Peace Corps policies must be observed including use of alcohol, drugs, etc. INVITATION LETTER It may be necessary to create an invitation for artisans to carry with them during travel to/from the craft festival. If so, then ask program staff and/or delegation to help with translation and textcopy. PCVs (or artisans) can print the invitation letter and have the local delegation stamp it to make it “official”. The reason for the invitation letter is that artisans traveling by themselves may get stopped by police/gendarme and asked why they have many products with them. An invitation letter stating the craft festival is sufficient for this purpose. PCVs (2005-2007) Jessica DeVreeze and Justin Brown created an invitation letter for the Saidia Craft Festival, August 2006, which is included in the APPENDIX section of this guide. PUBLICITY & PROMOTIONAL TOOLS Bring promotional/marketing tools if available, these may include: Brochures, catalogs, order forms. French and English are ideal; but depends on expected tourist traffic. For example, more Spanish tourists are expected in the North (re: Tangier/Nador regions), while German tourists are likely in South (re: Agadir region). Map of Morocco. This helps to show PCV/artisan sites, giving perspective & distance artisans had to travel to attend craft festival, and encouraging a site visit. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 7 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Business cards. If using a generic business card, then write the name of the artisan and the date & town of the craft festival. Posters, photo albums, postcards. Photos and images of the site, artisans at work, etc. are useful to attract buyers. Some products may be difficult to display at the craft festival, so have photos of how they may be used/displayed. For example, displaying a hammock may not be possible and it will not be obvious that it is a hammock (and not just a carpet!). Also, photo albums are useful to show the range of crafts the artisan has to offer but not able to bring. This may generate site visits, placement of command orders, media interest, etc. Advise artisans to give them to festival attendees accordingly, not just to everyone who come into the booth. Have a few “display” copies available in protected sleeves to show to casual strollers, and a stack tucked out of sight to give to potential buyers. Bring “master copies” to make during the festival. NB: Make every effort to acknowledge all organizations or government agencies as funding sources in publicity or promotional tools; they can be represented as textcopies or graphical elements (photos, logos, etc). Examples of promotional tools can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. Publicity Create simple and appealing, yet informative, promotional tools (posters, postcards, flyers, etc) and post them in advance (strategize on timing and frequency) where potential attendees are likely to see: Bus & taxi stations Police & gendarme stations, and other government buildings Universities & Learning Language Centers Hotels & Auberges (hostels) Cafes & Restaurants Embassies & Consulates Media outlets (this needs to be approved by Peace Corps, Ministry of Tourism, etc) Create text-only and/or small file-sized Web emails to post to specific websites (i.e. couchsurfing.com), personal networks/lists, etc. In addition to costs of printing, consider the following factors when creating promotional tools: Lead time to gather content (i.e. logos, photos, textcopy, etc), translate textcopy, approve/review (concept, design/layout, photos/images of artisans, color scheme, theme, etc), and print/distribute. Define early on who needs to approve/review, and those who are just providing feedback/input. File format publisher/printer can handle (JPG, PDF, MS-Word, PNG, PPT, etc). Size of paper (letter, A4, Legal, etc) Grade/weight of paper/cardstock Black & White, 2-Colors or 4-Colors Textcopy & Translations Translate to other languages as necessary, depending on target audience and region of craft festival: French, Arabic, English, Spanish, German and Japanese Information technology and translation challenges in Morocco include: Translate French correctly. French is a language that is commonly translated incorrectly; ask someone who is a native French speakers and/or university-educated. Even so, the translation may differ from one person to another. Program staff has final approval. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 8 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Arabic scripts. Arabic scripts may be installed on many PCV-computers; however, they are generally not configured to handle right-to-left Arabic scripting. Software applications. Create files using “common” software such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. These can be powerful tools to create professional-looking posters, postcards, flyers, etc. Though special desktop publishing applications such as PhotoShop, Quark, etc are more powerful, many PCVs and cyber café computer systems are likely not to have these special applications installed. Page set-up. Set page/print size appropriately; for example, A4 for European-ready printers. Page set-up should be set to twice or more of print to allow for possibility of printing larger than A4 size, but will scale to A4 without loss or image distortion. TrueType fonts. Computers able to handle target fonts; it‟s best to use “common” fonts so source files can be viewed on other computers without substituting fonts; this can have disastrous effects for text fields that are “anchored” or specifically sized. Sustainability. Provide both source & image files. Source file allows for direct editing of the document, and the image (PDF, JPG, TIFF are best) file allows for viewing, printing and distributing. Suggested textcopy (these have been previously approved and used): FRENCH ENGLISH Soutenez les artisans locaux & ruraux qui Support local & rural artisans offering vous présentent leurs produits entièrement high-quality, handmade crafts. faits main. Chaque achat contribue significativement au Développement Durable et aux pratiques du commerce équitable. Each purchase significantly contributes to Sustainable Development and Festival Trade practices. Les artisans ont bénéficié de l’assistance technique des Volontaires du Corps de la Paix des États-Unis d’Amérique. All artisans received technical support from Peace Corps Volunteers. Textcopy from the Ministry of Tourism for the artisan‟s sector of Morocco‟s Tourism 2015 campaign: FRENCH ENGLISH C'est la nouvelle dimension de l'artisanat It's a new dimension of the artisanat of du Maroc. Morocco. Logos Make use of appropriate/approved logos and photos; approval is necessary for use of any logos. The Ministry of Tourism recently introduced the “Artisanat du Maroc” logo as part of its Tourism 2015 campaign. Ask program staff or Ministry of Tourism for high-resolution logo. NB: The use of the Peace Corps logo is restricted to official Peace Corps programs authorized under the Peace Corps Act. Accordingly, you must receive permission from the Peace Corps before using the logo. Program staff can assist with getting approval for use of logo. Ministry of Tourism 2007-2015 campaign logo, modified versions for region-specific activities (I believe the Ministry of Tourism logo is using the font Book Antiqua, with a condense factor of about 15-25%, for the text), and other logos can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. Posters/Flyers/Postcards Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 9 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Create posters/flyers as part of the publicity campaign. As noted elsewhere in this guide, create posters using “widely available” software such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint so sharing and editing can be done by others, including current/future PCVs, Peace Corps staff, Ministry of Tourism staff/delegation/agencies, etc. Choose images that are inviting, appealing, and appropriate to the craft festival. For example, an ocean sunset photo (though inspiring) is not appropriate for inclusion on a poster promoting a craft festival in the Middle Atlas region. Include images showing artisans at work, they emphasize the “human factor” and encourage tourists to attend and meet artisans. If budget allows, then produce posters in color for distribution; however, this is often not the case and that black & white flyers are often made. Keep this in mind when creating promotional material – busy images or complicated fonts do not render well in black & white. Key information to include: What. Give name of the festival, and what may be available for sale. When. Give dates and time of festival Where. Provide location, town, area of town, etc; and how to get there if appropriate. Posters created for previous/recent craft festivals are included in the APPENDIX section. Business Cards It is important for artisans to come to craft festivals with business cards. This is important for networking and finding new customers (especially shop-owners of the craft festival‟s town). Engage artisans in the design process of their business cards. Business card size can vary; recommended size is 5.5cm x 9cm. Print on cardstock paper (150 weight or better is good). Microsoft Word has business card templates, or you can create one by inserting a table into a blank document and constraint size of cells (instead of auto-sizing). Use a readable, common font; exotic fonts are not installed on all computers. If working with a cooperative, then it is more desirable to have “generic” business card with name of the cooperative, address (or town) and a brief description or photo of the craft made. Reserve space for individual artisans to write specific info even if it is single-sided printing; double-sided printing is typically cost prohibitive. Information may include: Name of cooperative or person (family name is capitalized), include profession/title if appropriate Phone, fax and/or email Mailing address (or just name of town & region for remote villages) Description of crafts/products/services A photo of craft, person or cooperative sign Examples of business cards can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. Product Tags Create product tags to help market the artisan, cooperative, or region. When potential tourists know a bit more about who made the craft or where it comes from, they are more likely to buy a “souvenir” or gift because a connection has been established with the artisans. Basic descriptors (these have been previously approved and used): FRENCH ENGLISH Ce produit a été conçu par un This product is handcrafted by a maître-artisan coopérant. Le cooperative master craftsman. The revenue de ventes va directement revenues received from sales go Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 10 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 aux artisans et contribute à subventionner les activités cooperatives. directly to the artisans and also to support continued operations. Other information that may be included: Contact information Type of business (cooperative, family, individual, etc) Artisan‟s family and training background How the product is produced, may focus on hand-made, natural dyes, etc. Examples of product tags can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. Cheat Sheet Create an index card-sized “cheat sheet” to give to all festival participants; ideally this is given to participants when they arrive. Cheat sheet content can include: Events & meetings schedule Hours that the festival is “open” for festival attendees to shop -- it looks bad when a tent/table is not open or unattended. Key contacts and their phone numbers; a photo may be useful. Lodging name, address and reception phone number. Cheat sheet prepared for AIWA Bazaar 2006: PACKING LIST Artisans (with reminder from PCVs) need to bring whatever supplies they need for the craft festival. This is a recommended list of supplies they are likely to need for displaying products, taking notes/bookkeeping, packing up, etc. Notepad Masking tape Measuring tape Pens/pencils Hangers (if selling Plastic bags or Table drape clothing) appropriate containers Calculator Cords/ropes for products sold Labels/stickers (for Electrical outlet Push-pins prices) extensions Glue/glue stick Scissors Participating PCVs and artisans do not need to bring everything, just what they anticipate they will need. The organizing PCV may have budget set aside for purchase of some items during the craft festival, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the artisan to buy/bring what they need. RESOURCES These are some Websites that may have useful information when organizing a craft festival: http://www.tourisme.gov.ma/ http://www.tanmia.ma/ http://mepi.state.gov/ http://www.aidtoartisans.org/ http://www.worldeventsguide.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Festivals_in_Morocco/ http://www.visitmorocco.org/ http://www.oncf.ma/ Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 11 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Also, discuss with program staff for possible funding through SPA grants, Ambassador‟s Funds, etc. PROFESSIONALISM & WORK EITHICS, PART I It is important that PCVs project professionalism and adhere to good work ethics when preparing and attending craft festivals. It is far too easy for PCVs to consider a trip out-of-site as a vacation trip. On the contrary, leaving site to attend a craft festival generates more work than staying in-site. Consider: Be Reasonable. Assign tasks and set reasonable deadlines. Communicate to others if you are given a task and there is a delay; your task may impact another‟s ability to deliver/complete their tasks. Ask for help or hand-off your task if you are overwhelmed. Communication/Transportation Access. Do not expect every PCV to have the same access to communications at (i.e. mobile service or cyber café) or transport in/out of their sites. PCVs in rural sites often have infrequent or unreliable communication and/or transportation access. Know who these PCVs are, and allow them additional time to internalize content, check with artisans and respond to requests. Though it is better to over-communicate with PCVs during planning, be mindful that flooding PCV with emails, phone calls and SMS messages is often counter-productive and may result in unnecessary confusion and conflicts. Can do attitude! PCV (2004-2006) Victoria Wilson was in a remote site without cell-phone signal or Internet in-site. As part of her weekly routine while in a nearby town, she went to a cyber café to check/respond to messages, shopped for items not available in-site, etc. Other PCVs were aware of her “cyber days” and took this into consideration when communicating with her. Be Responsible. Unless pre-arranged with other PCVs or the organizing PCV, the participating PCV is solely responsible for communicating with his/her artisan(s). This includes in-site trainings to prepare the artisan(s) to attend the craft festival. Remain Positive. A peer asked to organize a craft festival is a big responsibility. Provide constructive criticism and suggestions rather than just pointing out what is wrong. Hindsight is always fool-proof. If the organizing (or participating) PCV is overwhelmed, then ask him/her how you can help. PCV Site. The craft festival may take place in a PCV site. If this is the case, then be sensitive to that PCV‟s time, relationships to the community, norms of the community, etc. Keep that PCV informed and invite him/her to events, meetings, meals, etc. as appropriate. The resident PCV may choose to orient, host or invite PCVs and artisans to his/her home; however, do not expect these duties of the resident PCV. END OF SECTION Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 12 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 DURING THE CRAFT FESTIVAL Things can change quickly and often during the course of a craft festival. Decisions and actions may be made seemingly without reasons, so respect boundaries and communicate them to other PCVs and artisans as requested by the organizing team. In addition to the PCV organizing the festival, designate an on-site PCV who will respond to requests and can make decisions if the organizing PCV is unavailable. As not all PCVs can attend a craft festival with their artisans, designate a PCV who will act as an “advocate” for these artisans. Artisans without PCVs are often familiar with craft festivals, but will welcome attention from an on-site PCV. The assigned on-site PCV can communicate changes in lodging, transportation, etc. Assure artisans that night-guards (if appropriate) have been hired to watch over the festival area. However, artisans need to do what they can to deter thieves such cover or lock-up small, portable crafts if possible. PHOTOGRAPHY/DOCUMENTATION Encourage PCVs to photograph the entire craft festival from setting-up to tearing-down. Designate a PCV to be the “official” craft festival photographer who will document the festival, including: Activities in booths Personnel visits from the Ministry of Tourism, Peace Corps, local government, business leaders, etc. Training sessions Artisans interacting with tourists, PCVs, other artisans, etc. Opening/closing ceremonies Table/booth displays (useful for discussions and training sessions) Products (useful for future product development and cataloging) These photos are useful for future training sessions, creating marketing/promotional tools, sharing the experience with PCVs/artisans who could not attend, writing reports and general archiving. SET-UP/TEAR-DOWN Everyone needs to help with set-up and tear-down/storage of the festival area, unless informed not to do so. Contributing to set-up/tear-down reflects to festival organizers that PCVs and artisans are worth inviting to future festivals. Account for and return all equipments and borrowed supplies to their owners. Empty garbage cans, pick up trash, take down posted signage, remove tapes/nails, etc. Confirm with the organizer that the area is in the condition it needs to be before leaving. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 13 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 FINANCE/MONEY ISSUES It is not uncommon for craft festivals taking place in cities deemed “tourist destinations” to want to pay for their purchases in other currencies than in dirhams. Tourists may not have exchanged their money for local currency. Try to have a list of exchange rates on hand in case this happens. Currencies that come in handy are U.S. Dollar, E.U. Euro, and Japanese Yen. In general, it is advantageous to accept foreign currencies for high-priced purchases as more money is “made” when exchanged for local currency, and compensates for any commission set by the bank. ARTISANS ARE ADVISED NEVER TO ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS. It is good practice to note where and the working hours of banks near the festival area, and note if there are cash machines. NB: As a matter of policy, PCVs may not handle money. Sales Tally It is best to tally sales from each artisan on a daily basis. This makes it easier to tally the total at the end of the festival, and to keep track of sales traffic. To make it easier on the organizing PCV, each PCV should ask their artisans sales made at the end of each day, or the next morning. Asking artisans to share their sales figures is an exercise in trust, sales vs. profit and accounting/bookkeeping practice; the PCV-artisan team can lead discussions on accounting post-festival back in site with the cooperative and other artisans. Small Change Many artisans attending craft festival generally do not carry small change. A PCV assigned to get small change (20dh notes, 10dh/5dh/1dh coins) from the bank on a daily basis is advisable; this way, customers do not need to wait for their change when making purchases. If possible, arrange for a different artisan to go with the PCV to get small change each day so the artisan can experience and understand this basic, business function. TABLE/BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS Work with the artisan/PCV community to assign table/booth prior to everyone‟s arrival at the craft area. Some considerations in assigning table/booth: Space requirements for products/crafts. For example, artisans bringing textile products or paintings can use walls for additional display space; artisans bringing jewelry are mobile and need just table-top space; and artisans bringing sculptures or cloth racks may need (more) floor space. Special constraints. Communicate special constraints earl y in the planning process; perhaps as early as when the organizing PCV is polling PCVs for interest in attending the craft festival. For example, some artisans need access to electrical outlets for to best display their products. Complimenting products/crafts. Every effort will be made to separate artisans with similar crafts, but this may not be possible if space is limited. Pairing of seasoned & non-seasoned artisans. Attitudes of artisans. Some artisans are more “difficult” to work with than others, and may resent sharing table/booth. However, be prepared that pre-assigning table/booth space may not turn out as planned. Many factors may impact this, including PCVs/artisans canceling the same day, attending later in the craft festival cycle than expected, leaving the craft festival early or deciding to invite extra artisans to attend. TABLE/PRODUCT DISPLAYS Artisans often need to share tents and display tables; this can be stressful and can quickly spiral out of control if not properly managed. Manage expectations and inform artisans PRIOR to their arrival at the craft festival that they may need to share space. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 14 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Help artisans to display their products effectively. Many artisans tend to bring more products and want them all displayed than available space. Frequent tidying-up is needed for this display strategy to work. Create inviting walkways/paths into the booth; however, this may not be desired in all cases. For example, artisans with jewelries for sale may want to restrict booth traffic. Less is more. This busy, cluttered booth/table display is not inviting to potential buyers who nervously must watch their every steps. Give advice to artisans about displaying their products, but never actually force them to accept your advice. Encourage artisans to “work” during craft festivals. For multi-day craft festivals, artisans are encouraged to bring raw material to work during the slower part of the day. Not surprisingly, tourists soon gather to watch the creation of hand-made crafts. A stylishly organized table display is inviting to potential buyers. PCV (2005-2006) Eileen Hancox partnered with her artisans to suggest alternate ways to display their carpets. Ask other PCVs, especially those with experience in retail, for help in setting up table displays. Take artisans around to other booths/tables and critique displays. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 15 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Ifixed price. Products with stickers are less intimidating for shoppers not accustomed to haggling as part of the shopping experience; most tourists are not comfortable with bargaining, especially if there is a language barrier, or perception of separate prices for tourists and locals. Everything is set. 2nd Year PCV (2005-2007) Anne Richardson (L), 1st Year PCV (2006-2008) Rachel Morgan (R) and artisans from their town discussing and negotiating how to effectively complement their table/booth displays. TRAINING SESSIONS Each PCV should prepare their artisans to the fact that attending a craft festival offers many opportunities to improve their business practices and skills. This is most evident in training sessions lead by PCVs, independent consultants and experienced artisans. Training sessions may be organized individually or in groups, depending on content and needs of the artisans. For example, illiterate artisans will benefit more individually (rather than in group session) on the topic of information technology management. Prepare appropriate handouts, and ask artisans to contribute money for photocopying if they want handouts. PCV (2005-2007)Katherine Wright showing program assistance Tariq how to select quality carpets from the Middle Atlas region. Take time to discuss with potential buyers about Peace Corps, SBD program, work in-site and Volunteer Life. During down-time is an excellent opportunity to discuss with PC staff attending craft festivals details of work, knowledge gained of crafts or community, request site visits, etc. PCV Leslie Andrus discussing potential product development with program manager Bouchra. Tourists, PC staff and PCVs are always interested in knowing more about how to select high-quality crafts, what unique pattern, color, or method is unique to a site/region, and the general price of a given product. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 16 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Training Sessions conducted at various craft festivals have included: Tent Setup/Product Presentation Standardizing Products (Sizes, Colors, etc) Costing and Pricing Basic Accounting Product Development How/Why to Start a Cooperative Seeking New Markets Organization (scheduling, Needs Assessment appointments, etc.) Building Relationships between Inventory Management Buyers and Producers Shipping Options Product, Marketing, and Sales Using Technology Integration Organizing training sessions can be a big task; assign a fellow PCV to help with this process. Once PCVs are approved to attend a craft festival, ask them what skills or knowledge they have that can be transferred to artisans (or other PCVs) during the craft festival. For one-day craft festivals, training sessions may be schedule the day before or during the festival if time allows; for multi-day festivals, schedule training sessions as appropriate. In addition to technical trainings, PCV Committees (GAD, SIDA, etc) may request training sessions. Scheduling training sessions during off-peak hours is ideal, or repeating training sessions to accommodate artisans who may not be able to attend sessions due to other activities. PCV (2005-2007) Rachel Beach facilitating a discussion on microfinancing. Classroom space is often available to conduct training sessions; however, other options include holding sessions in restaurants or cafés, or in the craft tents. Encourage seasoned artisans to share their experience. PCV (2005-2007) Nam LaMore teaching computerliterate artisans how to create business cards. Booth duties include taking time to teach artisans new skills when traffic is slow. Improvise one-on-one or small group training sessions. ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE If possible, then ask the delegate to provide a certificate of attendance to each artisan/cooperative. The certificate should have the delegate‟s signature and an official stamp/seal of the delegation. It is best that the delegate gives the certificate to artisans on the last day of the craft festival (rather than at the beginning or post-event). PCVs and/or artisans may arrange for a photographer for the photo opportunity of the delegate giving the certificate to the artisan, other ceremonies or special guests (dignitaries, local authorities, etc) to the booths. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 17 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 TRANSPORTATION, PART II If transportation is not budgeted, then artisans can leave as soon as the craft festival is finished. However, if transportation is budgeted then the organizing PCV needs to re-confirm and communicate with all PCVs and artisans on transportation logistics. As noted before, it is important to assign an on-board coordinator who will communicate destinations, arrange for unclaimed baggage, etc. Resolve all reimbursements (transportation, lodging, meals, etc) PRIOR to everyone leaving the craft festival for their sites. PROFESSIONALISM & WORK EITHICS, PART II It is important that PCVs project professionalism and adhere to good work ethics when attending craft festivals. It is far too easy for PCVs to consider a trip out-of-site as a vacation trip. On the contrary, leaving site to attend a craft festival generates more work than staying insite. Facilitating and encouraging artisans to interact with customers is an important role of the PCV. PCV (2006-2008) Laura Hoppenjans steps back and watches how the artisan she accompanied to a craft festival interacts with important guests and local officials. Sometimes the PCV - at the urging of the artisan - spends more time interacting with customers than the artisan. However, it is important for the PCV to play the role of facilitator, and not the salesperson. Consider: Do not be Late. Show up at the booth, training sessions, etc in a timely manner. It is rude and disrespectful to keep everyone waiting. Dress Appropriately. Be Flexible. Maintain an acceptable level of professionalism, but be flexible when/if meals are late, no hot/running water, etc. Bring up issues directly, in private to the PCV organizing the festival. Integration While Out-of-Site. A key component of Volunteer Life is integration with the community. Attending a craft festival does not mean going off and leaving the artisan to him/herself all the time. It‟s natural that PCVs want to catch-up with other PCVs, and artisans with other artisans. Plan for downtime for separate activities, but also plan activities together such as meals, product research, sight-see, etc. Strengthening PCV-artisan relationship is proof that community integration is possible even when out-of-site. Lodging. If PCVs and artisans are sharing the same lodging, then it is important to adhere to local customs and be culturally sensitive. Remain Positive. Everyone is doing their best. Offer assistance and be patient; if appropriate, take initiative to help others have a positive craft festival experience. PCV site. The craft festival may take place in a PCV site. If this is the case, then be sensitive to that PCV‟s time, relationships to the community, norms of the community, etc. Keep that PCV informed and invite him/her to events, meetings, meals, etc. as appropriate. END OF SECTION Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 18 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 POST CRAFT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES THANK YOU MESSAGE Once the craft festival ends, the follow-up begins. There is still much to do post-event. The most important is to send a thank you note and a short evaluation to all participants, including non-attending PCVs, artisans, staff and members of the Ministry of Tourism who showed interest during the planning process or facilitated planning of the event. If funding is available, provide each PCV and artisan with a group photo or CD of photos and training materials to remind them of the experience, facilitate networking, provide images for creating their own marketing tools, etc. Group photo from the AIWA Christmas Bazaar with PCVs (20052007) Veronika Soul, Nam LaMore and artisans. PCV (2005-2007) Cory Driver not shown as he was on watch for three artisans who were arriving late. Group photo from the Zagora Craft Festival. Not all PCVs and artisans shown due to the complexity of gathering everyone for a group photo. PCVs are expected to prepare a craft festival report for program staff and the organizing PCV within two weeks of the craft festival. Allow PCVs time to respond due to travel, re-integration with community, lack of internet in-site, etc; however, impress on everyone to respond while the experience is fresh on everyone‟s mind. A “Craft Festival Report for Participating PCVs” template can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. REPORTS Every PCV is required to complete a craft festival report: PCVs who attended the craft festival. PCVs who did not attend, but sent artisan(s) to the craft festival. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 19 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PCVs who planned to attend, but cancelled. It is important to understand the extent of preparation/involvement, and reasons for cancellation. Reports can be categorized either from participating or organizing PCVs. A “Craft Festival Report for Participating PCVs” template can be found in the APPENDIX section of this guide. The organizing PCV is expected to write the final, wrap-up report with more details, incorporating feedback from participating PCVs and artisans, sales figures, general challenges, etc. As noted in the template, participating PCVs should send their reports to program staff and the organizing PCV NO LATER THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CRAFT FESTIVAL. This allows the organizing PCV time to write the final, wrap-up report. FEEDBACK The organizing PCV may request participating PCVs/artisans to complete a questionnaire or survey of their experience of the craft festival to help assess the success of the event, fine-tune steps in organizing future events, etc. PCV (2005-2007) Nam LaMore developed the following simple questionnaire for the AIWA Christmas Bazaar 2006: Questionnaire for AIWA Christmas Bazaar 2006 1. Did the artisan(s) have a positive experience at the Bazaar? (YES .. NO .. MIXED .. and provide narrative, if possible) 2. Based on artisan(s) feedback, would the artisan(s) want to attend next year's Bazaar? (YES .. NO .. and provide narrative, if possible) 3. What were the biggest expenses for attending artisan(s)? (prioritize 1-2-3-4: FOOD .. TRANSPORT .. LODGING .. OTHERS, please explain if "OTHERS") 4. What were the biggest challenges for the artisan(s) preparing and attending the Bazaar? (list up to five) 5. What were the biggest challenges for you in preparing your artisan(s) for this Bazaar? (list up to five) ### FOLLOW-UPs & VISITS The organizing PCV is often the point-person the PCV community for potential customers as a result of organizing a craft festival. Locals, expatriates, long-term tourists, etc may contact the organizer about products they heard about or saw in photos from festival attendees. It is the responsibility of the organizing PCV to facilitate the introduction of the PCV/artisan with the inquirer. Send the inquirer photos of products at the festival to help identify products of interest. The inquirer can contact the PCV/artisan directly once products of interest have been identified. The PCV/artisan may invite the inquirer to visit the site, artisan‟s studio/workspace, family, etc. This becomes a cultural experience/exchange that most tourists/expatriates welcome. It is an opportunity for the artisan to make additional sales, since more products can be shown that were not available during the craft festival. Point out to visitors (reasonable to note some of these prior to their visit to site or cooperative): History/background of site, especially if the region is hosting events. Background of artisan/cooperative; ask for a specific artisan. Best time of day or year to visit site/artisan. Directions to site. Suggestions of other activities in or around site while they are visiting the site. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 20 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Places to rest, take a break, have coffee/lunch, etc. Availability or lack of bank/cash machine within site. Provide driving or transportation directions, including estimated drive-time and/or cost of transport to site, landmarks, meeting point, who to ask for, etc. The PCV is encouraged to meet the visitors and observe how artisans interact with them; however, it is best that artisans interact directly with the visitors, with minimum facilitating from the PCV. This is a map to the artisana complex in Khemisset: Prepare artisans for the visit. Brief the artisans about the visit, and why they are visiting. Remind artisans that this visit is a direct result of attending the craft festival; this is an important point to make. Though it is important to introduce a few artisans to the visitors, do not overwhelm the visitors with introductions to everyone who works at the cooperative. Step back and observe how artisans interact with the visitors, stepping in as necessary to facilitate awkward situations. Step in immediately if the artisans become overly aggressive trying to make a sale, remind artisans that the visitors traveled specifically to see them, the site or just wanting a cultural experience, and not necessarily visiting to make a purchase. Pressure selling techniques may work for single sales, but never for repeated sales. It is important that visitors have a positive experience so they can recommend visits to others, or return themselves. Encourage visitors to take photos of the artisans at work and products; negotiated this with artisans prior to visitors‟ arrival. Before the visitors leave, ask if a photo could be taken of them and the artisans. This serves two purposes: Artisans are reminded of the new/expanded market [bringing others to their site or cooperative] Visitors are reminded of the impact that the sales made to the artisans; hand the visitor an envelope with the cooperative‟s address to encourage visitors send in a photo. HOST DISCUSSIONS IN-SITE Upon returning from a craft festival (or when the artisan returns, if PCV was not attending) schedule time with the artisan/cooperative to discuss the experience of attending a craft festival, the skills learned, workshops attended, how to prepare for the next craft festival, what could have been improved, what were the business risks, etc. Preparing and attending a craft festival is a learning experience for both artisans and PCVs, share this wealth of knowledge and experience with others in the community. END OF SECTION Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 21 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 APPENDIX Projets Promo 2006 - entre Maison de l’Artisan & les Chambres d’Artisanat Chambres d’artisanat - Agadir Date Juillet Lieu Centre touristique - Beni Mellal Juin Centre ville - Casablanca Ain Diab - El Jadida Juillet/Août Novembre Juillet/août Complexe culturel - Essaouira Juin La Corniche - Es- Smara 30 avril au 4 mai Tata/Piscine municipale - Fès Juin Place Florence - Kenitra Juillet/août Place Hôtel de Ville - Khémissat Hay Essalam ou Place Hassan 1er - Khenifra Juillet 29 – Août 10 5-12 juillet Ensemble d‟artisanat ou Place Arokou - Laâyoun Mai Ensemble d‟artisanat ou Souk d‟artisanat - Marrakech - Meknès Juin Août Juin Jamaa el Fana Jnane Harti Sahrij Souani - Nador Juillet/août Espace Corniche ou Espace Municipalité - Ouad Eddahab Août espace Wilaya à Dakhla - Ouarzazate Juillet Espace touristique - Oujda Juillet/août Sahat Jeddah - Rabat Juillet/août Bab El Had - Safi Décembre Salle des Fêtes - Salé Juillet Bab Mrissa - Settat Mai Place de la Municipalité - Tanger Juillet Ensemble d‟artisanat - Taza Juillet/août Sahat Al Istiqlal - Tétouan Juillet/août Bab Nouader Festivals likely to take place every year : End of May - Festival of Roses, in Kelaat-Mgouna (Dades Valley). May or June - Festival of Moulay Bousselham (south of Larache). Beginning of June - 10 days in Marrakesh; the National popular arts festival. June - cherry festival in Sefrou. Beginning of July - Mdiq moussem (15 km northeast of Tetouan). End of August - Setti Fatma festival (Ourika valley, south of Marrakesh), three days long. End of August - Festival of Moulay Abdallah (10 km south of El Jadida). August - Festival of Moulay Driss Zerhoun (north of Meknes). One of the biggest and most important. End September - Festival of Sidi Moussa Ou Quarqour (near Kelaat-Seraghna, north of Marrakesh). Third week of September: - Bethrotal festival in Imilchil (middle Atlas). First week of October - festival of Moulay Idriss (in Fez). End of October - Dates festival (in Erfoud). Changing dates - Festival of Tangiers, Tetouan, Fes and Agadir. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 22 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 AIWA BAZAAR, PCV (2005-2007) Nam LaMore update #2 to all PCVs: EVENT: AIWA BAZAAR (updated Nov 8) WHAT: American International Women's Association (AIWA) Bazaar 2006 (aka Second Annual Rabat American School Winter Craft Fair/Festival) WHEN: 11:00 – 16:00, Saturday, December 9, 2006 This is a one-day event. WHERE: Gymnasium of the Rabat American School Address: 1 Bis Rue Emir Ibn Abdelkader / Agdal, 10000 / Rabat WHO/CONTACTS: Nam LaMore (coordinating for Peace Corps Volunteers), 077 11 34 07 / nam@lamore.net Bouchra el Achkar, Program Manager/Small Business Development Program, Peace Corps Connie McDaniel, Liaison to AIWA Bazaar FUNDING: NO FUNDING IS AVAILABLE. AIWA has generously waved rental fees for tables and entrance fees for workers (Peace Corps and artisans) at the bazaar for Peace Corps. There is absolutely NO funding available for transportation, lodging, or food from the Ministry, Peace Corps, or AIWA. Funding sources to explore by each Volunteer/artisan: cooperative/association members, Chamber of Artisana, community fund-raising, etc. LOGISTICS: SET-UP/TEAR-DOWN Free entrance for 2 people/table before 10:00 for set-up; others can come later but need to pay the entrance fee (I don‟t have this answer yet). OVERNIGHT/LODGING OPTIONS I am currently researching lodging options; last year‟s group (after failed attempts at securing free lodging within YD‟s Ministry contracts) stayed at the Hotel Velleda. Hotel Velleda, 037 76 95 31, 106 Avenue Allal Ben Abdallah / Rabat (room rates: 89120dh/night). OTHER DATES TO CONSIDER: Nov 27: Close-Of-Service for 2nd Year Volunteers Dec 4-6: Mid-Service Medical for Volunteers in Rabat BRING FOR SET-UP: Each artisan should consider bringing the following items but it‟s all up to you to bring what you need for table display. I will have limited supplies of stickers for prices, scissors, and masking tapes. 2 artisans to a table, so different sites will need to share table for display space. Cloth to drape over table (these are standard, rectangular 6-feet banquet tables) Calculator, pen, notebook/paper (for accounting/inventory control) Price tags/stickers Business cards – if you want business cards for your artisan, please email me by Nov 26 what info (name of artisan, name of cooperative/association, town/province, etc) and a photo (product or artisan). I‟ll print 26 business cards for 6dh, the cost of 2 sheets of stockcard paper. Artisans can re-pay me during the Bazaar when they pick up their cards. Promo catalogs/brochures, photos, etc., if you have any. BACKGROUND: (2nd Year PCVs Andy Allen & Victoria Wilson provided most of this section) Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 23 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 In total, 2005/last year‟s sales was about 35,000 dirhams. The items that sold best were high quality products between 50 to 200 dirhams. Most of the buyers are Americans looking for interesting Christmas presents that are reasonably priced and not too difficult to transport. As a whole, our products were much better than anyone else's and that is why we are being invited back. Basically, high quality products at reasonable prices or cheap interesting but still quality products as stocking stuffers will sell. The big, bulky, high priced items have little chance. Traditional items that often appear unattractive to Westerners such as bulky carpets with odd colors and traditional items like tahruets did not sell well. On advertising: Brian Perusse produced a brochure that was good. He basically listed the date, times, and location of the fair as well as that we were supporting rural artisans, so buyers would be getting products directly from the makers. Peace Corps printed out the brochures and then distributed them for us in Rabat. We did a day long training the day before at the volunteer lounge with the assistance of ATA. The textiles that Lindsay [Tameslohte] works with sold very well and so did Yousseff's [Azrou] rock lamps. Yousseff sold about 14 lamps to someone he met that day who decided to visit his store in Azrou and check out all of his products a week after the fair. I also think that Lee (or his replacement), Lisa [Boujad] and Lindsay's [Tameslohte] artisans could sell well. The Imilchil artisans alone sold over 1000 dhs. I think your wood guy [Khemisset] will do well if he brings some of the smaller items and tables. He could bring an item list of other stuff, as most of the clients have cars and would have no trouble driving to Khemisset to pick up some bigger items. OPEN QUESTIONS/NEED RESOLUTIONS: Should we have a day-long training session(s) the day before the bazaar? Who will conduct the session(s)? Who will participate? Objectives/goals of session(s)? (All to provide input to Nam) o Currently no training session is scheduled. Research lodging options? Costs? (Nam) o Still looking into this. Since 2nd Year Volunteers are COSing, who will bridge/communicate with artisans from these sites? (COSing PCVs) o This has been taken care of on an individual basis. New Volunteers who have just sworn-in cannot attend the Bazaar unless taking out-of-site leave and approved by Peace Corps. Consult “Absence from Site Policy While Not on Leave” section of the Policy and Procedure Handbook. Each Volunteer is responsible for submitting signed Request Form for Work-Related (Appendix K) to Bouchra for the out-of-site log. (All) o From Peace Corps perspective, this is an artisan-only event and Volunteers are discouraged from attending to help with their artisans, with the exception of Nam LaMore, Cory Driver and Veronika Soul (attending for onsite coordination and communications). Volunteers who want to attend as “shoppers” can bridge the days between end of Mid-Medical and Bazaar via taking personal vacation days. Request copy of last year‟s brochure. (Nam) o Done. Solicit PCV co-coordinator. (Anyone have time to help me sort this?) o Cory Driver and Veronika Soul are signed up for this. Can we get map/directions to the Rabat American School? (Nam) o TBD Some artisans need official invitation so they can travel, when and who will provide this? (Cory/Veronika) o TBD Is there advertising of the Bazaar? (Veronika) o A flyer will be created and distributed around Rabat. Veronika is designing the flyer, please send her any input or photos (limit to 1 or 2) if you think she can use them in designing the flyer. Email no later than Nov 26 to veronika.soul@gmail.com CALL TO ACTION (Current Volunteers): ASAP: Please read the entire document; now, share the information with your artisans, counterpart, delegate/delegation, etc. Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 24 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 By Sunday night/Nov 5: As space is limited, please let me know if you intent to participate or send an artisan to the AIWA Bazaar; don‟t need specific names as yet – just need to determine who/which site is interested in attending AND what craft products (carpets, wood products, fossils, handbags, etc) you plan to be selling. What other information do you need to determine if you plan to participate, plan your budget, etc? If you‟ve already determined not to attend or send artisans, then I also need this information so I can put a ticker next to you name/site that you are not participating (optional: cite reason for the comment box). By Sunday night/Nov 26: Need to confirm if you are participating or not. Send questions/comments to me (nam@lamore.net) as you have them, I would like to consolidate all questions/comments and bring to Connie‟s (AIWA) and Bouchra‟s (Peace Corps) attention on Monday/October 30th. Send info/photo (to nam@lamore.net) for business cards if you want them. Send 1 or 2 photos (to veronika.soul@gmail.com) no later than this date to be included in a flyer to advertise the Bazaar. It will be posted around Rabat. By Sunday night/Dec 3: Need names of Volunteers and artisans to submit to Connie (AIWA) to prepare name tags (Hello, My Name is …) for free entry into Bazaar for set-up. Saturday/Dec 9: AIWA Bazaar POST-EVENT: In addition to, or separate from the Monthly Report, each Volunteer is to provide Bouchra with Volunteer/artisan feedback, amount/what sold, photos, etc; I will also need this info for a wrap-up report. SITES SENDING ARTISANS TO THE BAZAAR (as of Nov 8): We have only 12 spaces, currently there is an “over-subscription” Ait Hamza: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Azilal: Wood sculptures (bowls, spoons) Azrou: Rock Lamps and mineral & fossil collections Boujad: Woven products (handbags, wallets, possibly carpets) some wooden products (decorative boxes) and hopefully some paintings. Imilchil: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Itzer: Traditional middle atlas weaving mostly carpets, hanbils and pillows Khemisset: Wood sculptures Khenifra: Jellabas & caftans Midelt: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Mrirt: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Ribat el Kheir: Woven products (shawls, blankets, handbags) Tiznit: Jewelry, silver DAYS TO EVENT (as of Nov 9): 30 days ### AIWA BAZAAR, PCV (2005-2007) Nam LaMore UPDATE # 3 to all PCVs: Hi Everyone, If you're getting this, then you have an artisan signed up to attend the AIWA Bazaar in Rabat on Sunday, Dec 9. Let me know what other questions you have. More info below to communicate to your artisan. INVITATION I'm working with Connie at AIWA to get an official invitation. I'm hoping to get this to everyone by Nov 27, as some PCVs need to leave site to make it to Mid-Medical. ENTRY FEE/LOGISTICS Because space is limited, each of site is limited to ONE artisan (except Lauren, who needs TWO artisans) for FREE ENTRY as exhibitor. Artisans are asked to arrive before 10:00AM for set-up (gates open at 8:00AM). Others can arrive as "shoppers" 11:00AM-4:00PM, paying the entry fee of 20dh, with in/out privilege. Please be sure that artisans understand they are sharing table space (I'm told these are rectangular, banquet tables). If there is a preference to pair up artisans from two sites, please let me know (list of sites planning to attend at the end). If there is a "cancellation" please let me know as soon as possible; there are artisans on the "waiting list" Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 25 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 and they need to know if they should prepare to attend or not. NAME TAG/PHOTO Exhibitors get name tags -- as a group (artisans+volunteers), our tag simply says "Peace Corps" -AIWA does not need a list of names of artisans; however, Bouchra requires the list, please send to me by Nov 26 and cc Bouchra (belachkar@ma.peacecorps.gov). If possible, please send a photo of the attending artisan to us (veronika.soul@gmail, cory.driver@gmail.com, nam@lamore.net) so we know who to look for. Attached are photos and phone numbers of the three of us for you to share with your artisan so they know who to look for, and how to contact us if there should be a problem. BUSINESS CARDS As I mentioned in a previous update, I'm creating business cards for attending artisans if you send me the info -- I'll include a picture if you want me to. The cost is 3dh per sheet of cardstock paper; the template I'm using yields 14 cards a sheet (4cm x 8.9cm. I will do layout/design unless you have specific requests. The sooner you send me the info/photo, the more time I can work on it and get feedback. Printing cards with different designs/info is possible. Or design and send me a file (I prefer Microsoft Word doc file, but can work with other file types) for printing on cardstock - please set your file printing to A4 paper. The attachment has two samples for Christine's artisan. BREAKS/LUNCH There are many food items available (hamburgers, chwarma, etc.) and there are several small hanoots right outside the back door. DIRECTIONS I'm still working on securing a map so I can forward to you. From Andy Allen, COSing PCV: "The Rabat American School is about two blocks from the Peace Corps Office. From the Peace Corps Office, take a left out of the door walk to the first intersection and take a right. Take a left on the next street and the entrance to the school will eventually be on your right. You can actually see the school (surrounded by fences) from the Peace Corps office. A public bus has a stop a block from the school." I think a petite taxi from the medina would run about 12-15 DH. SITES PLANNING TO ATTEND (as of Nov 17) Ait Hamza: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Deanedra McMillan Azilal: Wood sculptures (bowls, spoons). Christine Koleski Azrou: Rock Lamps and mineral & fossil collections. Sharon Keld Berkane: paintings. Jessica DeVreeze Boujad: Woven products (handbags, wallets, possibly carpets) some wooden products (decorative boxes) and hopefully some paintings. Lisa Smith Imilchil: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Jesse Starkey Itzer: Traditional middle atlas weaving mostly carpets, hanbils and pillows. Lauren Stark Khemisset: Wood sculptures. Nam LaMore Khenifra: Jellabas & caftans. Veronika Soul Midelt: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Cory Driver Mrirt: Woven products (smaller rugs, blankets and shawls). Jehan Khaleeli Tiznit: Jewelry, silver. Carolyn Knoblock Days to Event (as of Nov 18): 21 days ### Zagora Craft Festival, PCV (2005-2007) Rachel Beach inviting PCVs to the planning team: Ina, Nam, Ann, Jong and Veronika, The rumors are true. There will be a craft fair in Zagora, April 16th - 22nd*. You are invited to be part Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 26 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 of the planning team. Please confirm with me ASAP whether or not you are interested. (I am in Rabat and just met with Bouchra. We discussed plans over the phone with Si Zahir, the Zagora Entraide Nationale Delege.) *See dates breakdown below BIG PICTURE: Zagora has an annual music festival that will be held this particular weekend (April 19th - 22nd). This gives us the benefit of tourists and Moroccans already heading to Zagora. (Sadly, I could find no information about it on the Internet, so I cannot give you the official music festival name, but Ina has promised to send a link this evening. I'll pass it on.) Si Zahir has promised to provide complimenting musicians/entertainment scene. Our job is to bring the artisans/advertise handicraft component. DATES: April 16th: All artisans & volunteers arrive April 17th - 18th: Artisan Training Sessions April 19th - 22nd: Craft Fair & Music Festival TEAMS/DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Rachel: Overall coordinator; Regional Artisan coordinator Ina & Jong: Local contacts/coordinators Nam & Veronika: Advertising/Marketing team Nam & Ann: PCV Logistics coordinators Ann & Rachel: Training workshops DEADLINES: As we have exactly one month until the festival begins, here are the deadlines for various responsibilities.** Please scan/find your name below for specific responsibilities. Thursday, March 22: o 1) List of all artisans & accompanying artisans interested in participating. (Re: Nam/Ann; Rachel). o 2) Suggested training workshop ideas (Re: Ann/Rachel) Monday, March 26: o 1) Advertising flyer & poster completion (Re: Nam/Veronika) o 2) Meeting with Si Zahir: (Re: Rachel/Ina) - present list of interested artisans/PCVs request funding for brochure/poster marketing materials - discuss tents location explore best transportation/lodging funding/availability options - logistics - sites for training workshops; suggested topics Wednesday, March 28: o 1) Confirmation of lodging, transportation for artisans/PCV's. (Re: Rachel/Zahir) o 2) Confirmation of tents (Re: Bouchra/Chamber of Artisans in Oz) o 3) Display posters/flyers distributed in Zagora/Ouarzazate; display handicrafts in hotel (Re: Ina/Jong/Rachel) Monday, April 2: o Training Workshops components compiled. PCV trainers arranged. (Re: Ann/Rachel) Friday, April 6: o Transportation routes/Attendees/Lodging communicated to and confirmed by PCVs/Artisans (Re: Nam/Ann) Monday, April 16th: o Artisans & PCVs arrive. (Re: All) Tuesday & Wednesday, April 17-18th: o Training Workshops (Re: All)Tent setup; handicrafts arranged (Re: All) o Finances arranged (Re: TBA, Nam/Ann?) Thursday - Sunday, April 19th - 22nd: o Actual craft fair/music festival begins. (Re: All) Sunday, April 22nd: o Pack-up; tent site clean-up. o Final financial arrangements settled (if necessary) *Pending confirmed interested by each of you. Please feel free to let me know if you would prefer other responsibilities. I welcome any great ideas you have to contribute. **I will send each team an email regarding your responsibilities/specific information/deadlines. I look forward to working with all of you. Hopefully we can make this craft festival a success! Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 27 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PS. When you reply/confirm, please feel free to give me all advice/suggestions/request other areas of responsibility. Yeah, teamwork! Zagora Craft Festival, PCV (2005-2007) Rachel Beach updating all PCVs (a series of updates follow): I have some solid information for all of you! The dates of the craft festival have been changed AGAIN. May 24th - 27th. We still have six weeks to prepare so you can reassure your artisans they have more time. (This date change was partly to accommodate Bruce and I, neither of which would have been able to attend at the earlier dates. ) I have met with the Zagora delege, so all this information should be solid. Please forgive the migrating schedule! NEW DATES IN MAY: May 21th (Monday): All artisans & volunteers arrive (UNLESS NOT ATTENDING WORKSHOPS) May 22th - 23th (Tuesday through Wednesday): Artisan Training Sessions (OPTIONAL) May 24th - 27nd (Thursday through Sunday): Craft Fair (MUST BE PRESENT FOR ENTIRE EXHIBIT PERIOD) LODGING: Female Artisans: Dar Taliba (student dorms) in Zagora Male Artisans: Dar Taliba in Tamergroute (12 minutes outside Zagora: transportation to and from will be provided). PCVs: There is a center in Zagora that PCVs are welcome to stay in. I have not inspected the particulars of this center yet, so when I/Ina visit it, we will let you know. There may be a possibility of some staying with "local" PCVs as well. TBA. Soap and blankets should be provided. No need to bring. FOOD: Will be provided for all artisans and PCVs. Entraide Nationale (the local Ministry we're partnering with) has committed to cooking for all participants. TRANSPORTATION: Should be provided: Plan: Entraide Nationale will send two (2) buses to the following rendezvous points (stops along the way ( i.e. Errachidia) to be determined) 1) AZROU: (Errachidia: Tinghir?) Zagora 2) MARRAKECH: (Ouarzazate?) Zagora However, please note that we are currently in negotiations with the Chamber of Artisans to provide funding for gasoline . EN is not providing gasoline to use the buses. We hope to have confirmation mid-next week. If you feel the need to inform your artisans about transportation in the mean time, please make sure you do not promise transportation yet. TENTS: One tent per organization/artisan should be provided: However, please note that we are currently in negotiations with several ministries to provide tents . EN is not providing tents. Prospects look good. We hope to have confirmation mid-next week. If you feel the need to inform your artisans about tents in the mean time, please make sure you do not promise tents yet. LOCATION IN ZAGORA: Next to Marche on main strip in Zagora ( Seaha hda Marche ). Very good, high profile location. WORKSHOPS: TBA I wanted to keep you all of informed about the date change and information that is confirmed, as I know Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 28 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 artisans are asking lots of questions. As soon as I can confirm the rest of the information I will be in touch. The important thing to know is that you have six weeks instead of 1.5 left to prepare! Thanks for your patience, Rachel "Raja" Beach Small Business Development Sector Peace Corps Morocco PS. If date changes your/your artisans ability to come, please let Anne Richardson know ASAP. Thanks! ### Zagora Festival, PCV (2005-2007) Rachel Beach updating entire group: Here is the latest update on the craft fair: All our funding requests were approved: TENTS: We have forty (40) tents available: twenty new white tents from the Chamber of Artisans in Ouarzazate and twenty older tents available from Entraide Nationale, already in Zagora. BUSES: We also have gasoline to fuel the buses, so we will be picking up all volunteers at four rendezvous points: 1) Bus #1: Azrou 2) Bus #1: Errachidia 3) Bus #2: Marrakech 4) Bus #1/2: Ouarzazate Exact pick-up times have not yet been determined, but it would probably begin very early Sunday morning in Marrakech and Azrou. PCV ATTENDEES: Peace Corps, for security and other strategic reasons has put a cap on the number of volunteers who will be attending. There is a list of approved volunteers attached. Please refer to it to determine whether you can attend. If you are not interested in coming, or would rather offer your place to another volunteer, please let us know ASAP so that we plan accordingly (inform another volunteer who may be able to take your place). Our top priorities were as follows: first-year volunteers/pcvs who have never attended a craft fair; PCVS (second-year) who would would be helpful in conducting workshops; and the craft fair planning team (Anne Richardson, Ina Celaya, Jong Son, Andrea Lueke, Nam LaMore and myself). We hope that everyone who attends will benefit from the experience. ARTISAN ATTENDEES: Due to the fact that we have forty tents, we want each organization/artisan to be represented. Forty (40) Artisans was our cap from Entraide Nationale, so we have chosen to allow more organizations to come, and limit attendance to one participant per group/site. So for those of you who were hoping for a second or third, please explain to your artisans why we have chosen to limit attendees. I am very excited about the fact that we will have such a diverse representation attending. Please fill in highlighted blanks in the approved artisan/pcv list if you have it available, and email back updated form to us. # ## Zagora Festival, PCV (2005-2007) Rachel Beach updating entire group: More IMPORTANT Information for ALL ATTENDEES! 1) UPDATED BUS SCHEDULE: The Azrou bus is now stopping in Timhadite, Midelt, and Rich. We are staying through Monday morning. Leaving at 9AM. (Please see BusSchedule.doc for updated times.) 2) POINT-OF-CONTACTS: I have appointed one PCV (or artisan) at each stop to be responsible for making sure everyone is present and accounted for. Please be prompt. The Driver will not wait. Points-of-Contact: Please print out this list and take it with you! When you are 15 minutes from the next stop, please beep the next point-of-contact. (PLEASE FIND YOUR NAME ON ALL ATTENDEES.doc attachment . Your name has an arrow beside it/in bold.) 3) MARRAKESH BUS: There are 22 seats in this bus and 15 passengers. However, the delege clearly Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 29 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 stated that there is not much room in this bus for product besides the empty seats. So please scale back as much as possible and prepare to be a bit crowded! 4) PCV HOUSING & MEALS: We have a house, ladies and gentlemen . Just for volunteers. So...if you were dreading spending every moment of the next week with your beloved artisan, fear no more ;) I was unable to confirm ponges/blankets for all 15 of us, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. All meals will be provided at the Dar Taliba. Otherwise you are on your own. 5) ARTISAN HOUSING & MEALS: Female artisans will be staying in the Dar Taliba. Male artisans at another location (in Zagora?). Sheets, pillows and soap will be provided for all. (Enshallah.) All meals will be provided at the Dar Taliba. Otherwise they are on their own. 6) TENTS, TABLES & LIGHTING: We have twenty (20) tents. We have forty (40) SMALL tables. We have thirty (30) artisans. Most likely your artisan will be sharing a tent with another organization/artisan. Please inform them of this and tell them to pack accordingly. Considering the heat already toasting the sidewalks of Zagora, we assume people will be out strolling in the evenings more than daytimes. The Delege has kindly offered to provide lighting for all tents. (If this does not actually happen, be not surprised. We live in Morocco.) ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO HELP SET UP TENTS, THURSDAY MORNING. PLEASE INFORM YOURSELVES AND YOUR ARTISANS OF THE NEED TO BE PRESENT. THANKS! (Refer to Schedule of Events.doc for times.) 7) NIGHT GUARDS: There will be night guards to watch all products in tents. (Enshallah.) 8) WE HAVE FIVE WORKSHOPS PLANNED: Please see WORKSHOPS.doc for more information. Also, wool-dying and "How to Start A Co-op" are two possible extras. If either sound at all interesting, please reply ASAP so we can prepare for them. ### Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 30 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Saidia Craft Festival, PCVs (2005-2007) Jessica DeVreeze & Justin Brown created this Invitation Letter: Nous avons le plaisir de solliciter la présence de __________________________ à l‟exposition artisanale en l‟honneur de l‟exceptionnelle qualité dont il témoigne dans la réalisation d‟artisanat traditionnel Marocain. L‟Exposition aura lieu du 1er au 15 Août 2006 à Saidia, Place du 20 Août, Boulevard Mohammad V. Avec le soutien de la Chambre de l‟Artisanat Marocain, le Corps de la Paix des EtatsUnis, la Délégation de l‟artisanat du Maroc et l‟association environnement et l‟homme. Signature de l‟artisan _________________________________ Signature d‟une personne autorise _________________________________ Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 31 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 LOGOS Entraide Nationale logo: Khemisset logo: Tislit/Imichil logo: Example of product tags: 5cm x 4.4cm (actual size) 5cm x 3.4cm (actual size) Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 32 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Posters/flyers from previous/recent craft festivals: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 33 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PCV (2004-2006) Victoria Wilson created these informative marketing tools: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 34 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PCV (2004-2006) Cybel Cochran created this (1 of 2 sides) tri-fold eco-tourism brochure to encourage visitors to site: PCV (2005-2007) Nam LaMore created this poster introducing region/site and cooperative: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 35 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 PCV (2004-2006) Lee Wilbur created this postcard that also serves as a photo-business card (actual size, 10cmx15cm): PCV(2005-2007) Carolyn Knoblock created this product catalog for products not sold at (or sold-out during) craft festivals: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 36 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Examples of business cards, actual size: This one is 5.15cm x 9cm This one is 4.12cm x 9cm: This one is 4.12cm x 9cm (blank space for name/notes): This one is 3.22cm x 7cm: Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 37 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 CRAFT FESTIVAL REPORT – TEMPLATE FOR PARTICIPATING PCVs Name of Craft Festival: Date(s) of Craft Festival: Name & Site of PC (note if PCV did not attend): Name of Cooperative: Name of Attending Artisan(s): Some information to include in report: What type of products/crafts were sold (wood, textile, etc. be specific as possible)? How many units of each product line were sold? For example, a weaving co-op may have the following product lines: handbags, blankets, shawls, bread covers, scarves, etc. What workshops (group or individual) did the artisan(s) attend? What was the artisan(s) general impression of the craft festival? Would you recommend they attend this craft festival again? Why/why not? What was the cost to the artisan(s) to attend this craft festival? This can include food, lodging, hotel, telephone calls, incidentals, office supplies/plastic bags, etc in preparing, attending and post-craft festival activities directly relating to the craft festival. Who were the primary buyers (overseas tourists, local tourists, expatriates, etc)? What influenced traffic to the craft festival or booth? For example, a music festival, moussem (religious festival), or city-wide/region-wide participation can generate traffic. Also booth activities (artisan carving, spinning, etc) can attract crowds. Attach/include a few photos; of interest include table/booth display, artisan interacting with customers, PCV engaging with artisans, artisans/PCVs preparing to attend craft festival, etc. What were some challenges PCV/artisans faced that could have been avoided? NO LATER THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CRAFT FESTIVAL, send report to Bouchra & Tariq and the organizing PCV. PCV Victoria Wilson prepared the following report: From August 25-27 during the Imilchil wedding festival, the Imilchil weaving cooperative exhibited and sold their products. The craft fair was different from last year because there was no music festival in the center of town, so the large craft fair in Imilchil Centre was cancelled. A small set up at the moussem site was still feasible and turned out to be a success. August 25 was a set-up day, and the 26 and 27 were devoted to sales, plus a presentation to the governor and regional governor. We sold a total of seven items for a total of 1550 DH. Though it was a small local event, we consider it quite a success and were happy with our participation. Next year I would recommend that the cooperative and the PCV work to organize a craft fair with wider participation from other towns at the festival site. Sales at the Imilchil Festival Jellaba 500 Aznar 550 Timindelt (x3) 100 + 100 +100 Pillows (x2) 100 +100 Total sales 1550 DH ### Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 38 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 CRAFT FESTIVALS COMPARATIVE (Prepared for IST, June 2007) Festival Zagora (Craft Festival) May 24-27, 2007 Outdoors Locals; (some) Overseas tourists 15 No 30 Rabat (AIWA Christmas Bazaar) Dec 12, 2006 Indoors, gymnasium of Rabat American School Expatriates; Local, affluent Moroccans 3 Yes 14 25 15:30 Yes; 3 12 3:14 No Yes Entraide Nationale; Ministry of Tourism None; tables donated/space (AIWA) SPA Grant (PeaceCorps); Ministry of Tourism Yes Yes Yes 19,000 MAD No No No 20,000 MAD Yes Yes Yes & No 4,750 MAD Local government officials (Governor); PeaceCorps Staff 1st time Yes* No Woven baskets (Essouaira) 20,000 MAD PeaceCorps Staff Dates Setting Types of Tourists # of PCVs Attended COS/New PCVs # of Artisans Participated # of Sites Participated Ratio PCVs : Artisans Workshops, How Many Funding type Meals Lodging Transport Total Amount Sold (appx), MAD Avg Sold Daily Special Guests Attending Frequency Again? Entrance Fee Best Crafts Sold Top Three Blessings Top Three Challenges 2nd time Yes; Dec „07 Yes, 20dhs Rock lamps (Azrou) Ministry of Tourism and Peace Corps staff supportive Well-organized Fully-funded Changing dates Over-subscription of artisans attending Limited # of 2nd YR PCVs attended Transition of contact, information Peace Corps staff supportive AIWA supportive of Peace Corps Too many artisans attended, not enough table space No funding Limited # of PCVs attending Saidia (Artisana Exposition) Aug 1-15, 2006 Outdoors, on the beach. Marrakech (Springtime Festival) March 23-April 1, 2006 Outdoors, at artisana complex Expatriates; Overseas Moroccans; Locals Overseas tourists; expatriates; Local, affluent Moroccans 9 No 16 No 14 9:16 Yes; 4 Aid-to-Artisans; Marrakech Delegation of Artisana (Ministry of Tourism) Yes & No Yes & No Yes & No 73,000 MAD 7,300 MAD PeaceCorps Staff 1st time No No Low-priced Middle Atlas carpets (Mrirt) Ministry of Tourism and Peace Corps staff supportive Well-organized Funding available Considered far for many Festival considered too long for many artisans PCV misconduct 2nd time No No Paintings (Tingdad) * Priority given to 1st Year PCVs and select 2nd Year PCVs ### Guide to Organizing Craft Festivals – June 2007 – Page 39 Peace Corps Volunteer Nam LaMore, Morocco 2005-2007 Well-organized Funding available Ministry of Tourism and Peace Corps staff supportive (secured exhibition space at artisana complex) Aid-to-Artisans too aggressive; promoted two festivals at the same time Location change (no public gathering allowed) day before festival Perception of not organized