Association Timidwa - The International Tuareg Handicraft Week

This week will be the opening reception for the first ever festival SIAT 24 - First Edition - celebrating Tuareg artisans in Bamako, Mali in the garden of the National Museum.

FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 1, 2024

Association Timidwa - The International Tuareg Handicraft Week - Bamako, Mali in the garden of the National Museum. FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 1, 2024.

Mali is a country known for its cultural diversity, its cultural and societal values that guarantee its stability, but also for its artistic richness, particularly in craftsmanship, which shines on the world stage. However, since 2012, the country has been going through a socio-political and security crisis that has torn apart its social fabric, weakening the ties and values that are the foundation of living together. In addition to the security consequences, the recurring conflicts, violent extremism, and massive youth unemployment, which have forced part of the population into exile, this crisis and its multiple dimensions represent a real obstacle to the country's socio-economic and cultural development.

To mend the social fabric and reconcile the people of Mali, national authorities and their partners encourage and multiply awareness and peacebuilding actions, particularly through cultural and artistic activities, and support civil society initiatives with high potential for job creation to facilitate the professional integration of Malian youth, who have been severely affected by massive unemployment.

It is within this framework that the Timidwa Association, created in 1997 and bringing together more than 150 artisans from different ethnic groups and trades, whose goal is to preserve traditional Tuareg arts and crafts, initiated the International Tuareg craft Week.

The International Tuareg Handicraft Week is of crucial importance to Mali, as it contributes to:

Peace and reconciliation : Art and culture are powerful tools to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between different communities.

Living together : By emphasizing the values of sharing and solidarity, this event strengthens the sense of belonging to a single national community.

Economic development : Cultural tourism and handicrafts are sectors that generate jobs and income for local populations.

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