Stories of handicraft splendour

From 25 April to 1 May 2025 the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, not far from the railway station, will host MIDA 89, the International Handicrafts Trade Fair promoted and organised by Firenze Fiera in collaboration with the main institutions and trade associations. The first certified trade fair of ‘savoir-faire’ in Italy, since 1931 it has witnessed the changes in craftsmen's professions, from the Fascist period to the post-war period, up to the present day. More than 500 Italian and foreign craftsmen from almost all countries will be present in the setting of the Medici Fortress, thanks to the relations with the main Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad (CCIE). 
"There were 65,000 visitors at the last edition. A journey through artistic craftsmanship, gifts, jewellery and costume jewellery, furnishing accessories, design, technological innovation, beauty and wellness, clothing and accessories, and food and wine products. The exhibition also includes a calendar of events including workshops, conventions, laboratories and experiential workshops", a press release issued by the company anticipates. "There are numerous exhibitors from all countries including: Egypt, China, India, Iran, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Tunisia, Tibet, Vietnam, Singapore, France and Spain. In the Nepal area, visitors will find jewellery, ceramics and weavings made using ancient techniques; the South African collective will display decorative and functional objects, including those made according to the art of thread using recycled materials. Iran will bring carpets and other artefacts related to the art of chiselling, marquetry, carving and the working of silver and gold in filigree. Morocco will have slippers, bags and everyday objects where tradition meets contemporary design, while furnishing accessories, tapestries, jewellery and jewellery will be found in Tibet. Finally, embroidered towels, metal or wooden caskets, and blown glass objects will testify to the manual dexterity of Tunisia's craftsmen". Among the side events: "CON-TE-NE-RE from the object to the body. Variants of scale in Craftsmanship and Design’ is the title of the exhibition promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze and realised by OMA, Associazione Osservatorio dei Mestieri d'Arte in collaboration with ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale, Delegazione Toscana) and the patronage of the Region of Tuscany and the Municipality of Florence. In cooperation with the Goldsmiths' Arts School (LAO), MIDA 2025 will set up in the evocative space of the Polveriera, once the munitions arsenal of the 16th century fortress, an area dedicated to didactics with the presentation of the works realised by students and teachers.
This will be complemented by an exhibition of jewellery made by the winners of the Preziosa Young 2024 International Competition, born as a branch of PREZIOSA Florence Jewellery Week with the aim of supporting new generations of artisans, designers and artists exploring avant-garde paths.