Casa do Rio

Tupana – Lendas, Madeira, Palha – Memória

Interaction,  history and income generation on the river bank communities of the Tupana River

The community of Santa Izabel in the Amazon is located in the Careiro Castanho municipality 102 km from Manaus on the banks of the Tupana River. The region has not suffered the ill effects of deforestation and is therefore rich in wood, fruits and wild animals. However, local artisanal production is minimal and poorly structured, and so industrial products dominate the city markets.

Casa do Rio has created a model for artistic entrepreneurship, supporting 21 local artists in the production and commercialization of products of straw and wood. The purpose of this model is to rescue the local culture and identity and promote artisanal production.

IMPACT

With support from BrazilFoundation the project will:

• Create an appropriate infrastructure for collective of 21 artisans to produce and sell products;
• Strengthen links among artisan groups and engage new members;
• Establish commercial ventures and promote their products;
• Launch a website to sell artisanal products;
• Promote intergenerational exchanges to promote local history and cultural appreciation.

“We believe in the exchange of knowledge, in a way that encourages transformation in people.” – Thiago Azambuja, project coordinator