Toulouse: The best regional craftsmen exhibit at the Hôtel-Dieu
Until Sunday, December 18, the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques in Toulouse hosts the Salon des métiers d’art d’Occitanie. About 80 exhibitors from the region present their creations.
There are all shapes, colors and materials. The halls of the Hôtel-Dieu are bringing together creations from the best artisans in Occitania this weekend. The region’s Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) is organizing its second Crafts Fair until Sunday 18 December. The opportunity to promote and support local artisans. “There is pure talent in each stand,” says Joseph Calvi, president of the CMA d’Occitanie. Each department of the region is represented, with exhibitors based in Léguevin in the Toulouse metropolitan area or in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
This fair was returned by the CMA in 2021 to help art professionals after the health crisis. A gesture still necessary in the context of an energy and purchasing power crisis. “The price of materials has increased and the ability to consume is decreasing,” says Sklaerenn Imbeaud, exhibitor and elected representative of the CMA Occitanie in charge of crafts. “Ceramic artists have been particularly affected since they use kilns”. The CMA is therefore committed to perpetuating this event in Toulouse. “The sector manages to adapt to survive crises. We are constantly mobilized to support it”, assures Joseph Calvi.
The Chamber of Trades and Crafts also wishes to promote the transition of professionals to the trades of art. A stand at the show showcases the apprenticeship training opportunities offered by the CMA. Currently 9,300 apprentices of all profiles follow this course. A success for Joseph Calvi which allowed “an explosion of jobs”, 88% of apprentices thus found a job as a craftsman.
Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, 2 rue Charles Viguerie. Free admission. Saturday December 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday December 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.