Portugal establishes permanent network for traditional arts and crafts

traditional crafts cultural heritage public policy Portuguese government artisan support

The Portuguese government has announced the institutionalization of the Rede Portuguesa Saber Fazer, a national network dedicated to the safeguarding, transmission, and sustainable development of traditional arts and crafts. Announced by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Margarida Balseiro Lopes at the 5th Culture Forum, the initiative transforms a temporary program funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) into a permanent public policy.

The network aims to create a cooperative structure involving artisans, municipalities, educational institutions, and both public and private entities. Managed by the Direção-Geral das Artes (DGArtes), the framework will provide dedicated financing instruments, digital repositories, and network workshops to promote knowledge sharing and innovation.

A regulation for the network is currently undergoing a 10-day public consultation period. Following this, the first calls for membership and funding applications are expected to begin in late 2024.