An edition that marks the restart of the artisan world is the one that awaits visitors from the day after tomorrow, April 23 to May 1 at the Fortezza da Basso for Mida, the 86th edition of the International Handicraft Exhibition, organized by Firenze Fiera.

An exhibition that accords different voices, an exciting journey to the roots of creativity with an infinite variety of artifacts that wink at technological innovation and sustainability. Tiles of a moving mosaic fielded by around 400 exhibitors from all over the world.

“Riding the recovery, the artisans return to the Fortezza – says Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera – convinced of the importance of exhibiting at Mida, an exhibition that for over eighty years has celebrated the culture and beauty of excellent craftsmanship among the konw as of technological skills and the humanism of the shops “.

Representing Ukraine, Made in Ukraine, a non-profit association that organizes exhibitions and festivals throughout Europe for the enhancement of the Ukrainian craftsman, will be present at the fair for the first time. Orchids in Fortezza, the first international exhibition organized by the Italian Orchid Federation which will bring together Italian and foreign sellers in the Nations pavilion with visitors who will be able to admire more than 5 thousand species. “A signal to restart for the city and for the whole region after two years of pandemic” comments Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region. While the councilor for the environment Cecilia Del Re thanked the organizers for “an edition that opens up to the environment”.

Craft 4.0 for Change, on the other hand, is the initiative set up in the Octagonal Room in collaboration with the Department of Architecture – Design Campus of the University of Florence, the Municipality of Florence, the Florence Architects Foundation and the Giovanni Michelucci Foundation which will document how, thanks to creativity, cooperation and use of Open Source tools, it is possible to make a contribution to the challenge of sustainability.

Do not miss Mestieri d’Arte e Performance, the exhibition at the Sala delle Colonne, promoted by the CR Firenze Foundation and curated by the Oma Association which, together with Confartigianato Imprese Firenze and Cna Firenze, offers live work by masters and young artisans.

“Midas – says the president of the Chamber of Commerce Leonardo Bassilichi – is the showcase of our quality craftsmanship, that is, it marks the companies that are ambassadors of Tuscany in the world. And this edition the desire to restart, despite the difficulties”.

If Artefacendo, the Cna project, aims to enhance the excellence of artistic and traditional craftsmanship, with Single Pieces, curated by Confartigianato Firenze, leather, yarns, gold and silver, thanks to ‘golden hands’ will give life to artifacts original and unrepeatable.

Rossella Conte