Centro Sebrae de Referência do Artesanato Brasileiro

BRAZILIAN HANDCRAFT REFERENCE CENTER

Showcase for Brazilian Handcraft

The mission of the Brazilian Handcrafts Reference Center (CRAB) run by the Brazilian Small Business Agency  (SEBRAE) is to promote local handcrafts, upgrading the image of handmade products of Brazil.

This Center showcases handcrafts to the market,  highlighting  the history and origin of each item,  with descriptions of the places and people who create the objects either individually or through collectives that express the culture of Brazil and its creative spirit.  

It is packed with countless activities that are constantly changing and swapping places with other cultural elements in the region.

EXPLORE AND ENJOY AN ENCHANTING PLACE

At this Center, handcrafts are appreciated as objets d’art that are desired and purchased. The market value is enhanced by their visibility, underpinned by their aesthetic, cultural and technological appeal  with information on the raw materials used.

 This is also a place for connection and dialogue with other segments of the creative economy, including design and architecture, music, literature, fashion, media and the audiovisual arts, as well as other types of folk art.

PAST AND PRESENT MEET IN BUILDINGS WITH DARING DESIGNS

Located downtown at Praça Tiradentes in the heart of Old Rio, this Center is surrounded by an urban heritage that is nowadays a creative hub in Rio de Janeiro, blending history, culture and entertainment with great restaurants and other tourist attractions.

 Its sophisticated modern lines merge smoothly into the XVIII century architecture around it , with this revitalized urban area highlighting and showcasing Brazilian handcrafts  while firming up the role of the Praça Tiradentes as the  cultural heart of its area of influence.

 The architectural complex of this Center is governed by legislation protecting assets listed by the National Artistic and Historical Heritage Institute (IPHAN) at the federal level, ; by the State Cultural Assets Institute (INEPAC) at the state level , ; and by the  Rio World Heritage Institute (IRPH) for the municipality. These three buildings are part of the  Rio Antigo Cultural Corridor set up to preserve historic areas.  

 A HUB OF CREATIVE AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY

 A multi-functional contemporary venue whose activities foster links between handcraft and the creative economy, this dialogue is reflected in its exhibition areas and sales facilities, generating knowledge while building up common experiences and connections.

Its exhibition halls feature a wide variety of displays and installations from all over Brazil, of varying durations.

Its shop offers consumption experiences ,  selling the best of Brazilian handcrafts, always linked to its exhibitions. As an event venue, it sets trends and hosts collection launches.

The eating area features a full range of flavors and aromas that reflect the culinary roots of Brazil

 Common areas are planned to encourage relationships and exchanges of information. They consist of a media library with a physical permanent collection as well as multimedia collections, and internal patio and café-bistro.

In addition to its media library, this Center expands knowledge through multi-purpose facilities that include a hundred-seat auditorium and rooms for workshops. These facilities are designed for capacity-building, training, specialization, research and experimentation activities, while also hosting shows, get-together is, meetings, discussions, lectures, product launches and open courses.