Together for artisans in Timor-Leste Final Expo and Closing of the project: Cultural Entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste – An Engine for Inclusive Development and Equality.

The event, organised under the project took place at Fundasaun Oriente in Dili and aimed to promote ED’s work on the use of Cultural Entrepreneurship, as a way to fight poverty in Timor-Leste. The event showcased the creativity of the artisans, promoted new products and presented the Portal featuring the work of Timorese artisans. 

This event was attended by the Ambassador of  the European Union, the Secretary of State of Arts and Craft (SEAC), the Secretary of State Equality and inclusion, national and international organizations, Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) and ED’s beneficiaries, specially artisans' groups from 4 municipalities (Dili, Atauro, Liquisa & Manatuto).

The project, supported by the European Union, contributed to expand the culture in Timor-Leste, promoting diversity, intercultural dialogue, human rights, values and cultural traditions. This initiative promoted craft sectors in Dili, Atauro, Likisa and Manatuto municipality and benefited the artisans community (which 65% are women).

The Secretary State of Arts and Culture and also The Secretary State of Equality and Inclusion worked closely with the project.

The Director of ED, Joana Gusmao, at the fair and closing ceremony said “With the European Union support EMPREZA DI’AK has successfully achieved a lot during the implementation of the project because all the artisans involved in this project recognize Cultural Entrepreneurship as a way to get income generation and also support their families. We are very happy with the results particularly seeing the importance of using Cultural Entrepreneurship to fight poverty and promote sustainable development in Timor-Leste”.

“Inequality between men and women is a problem all over the world. Timor-Leste being a post-conflict society is not exempt and women face the consequences of inequality when it comes to their health, education, employment, access to justice, and domestic violence. Culture can facilitate inclusive development and also be a powerful human rights instrument,” said the Ambassador of European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste, Marc Fiedrich.