A new partnership for the appreciation of craftsmanship

Rede ASTA has established a new institutional partnership to drive improvements in Brazil's handmade sector. We are now working side-by-side with CRAB (Sebrae Reference Center for Brazilian Handicrafts) in pursuit of the recognition and professionalization that craftsmanship demands.

Fifty billion reais. That is the amount the handmade sector generates annually in the country. This figure comes from the Brazilian Handicraft Program (Decree no. 1,508, of May 31, 1995) and was released in April of last year. However, the indicator may be even higher due to the still high level of informality.

That is why Rede ASTA values Brazilian artisans by boosting their professional, social, and economic standing, while also promoting artisanal businesses. Beyond transforming waste into products that are good, beautiful, and ethical, we transform artisans into entrepreneurs.

CRAB consists of three historic buildings in downtown Rio. All have been restored while maintaining their original facades. There, you can discover Brazil through its raw materials, including waste. However, these materials are transformed by the hands, hearts, and creativity of the artisans.

The core concept of CRAB is based on a tripod of emotion, knowledge, and commercialization, which, when integrated, take into account new ways of living and understanding the handmade, while also generating new connections. Such as the partnership with Rede ASTA, which, despite being in its early stages, is already showing results. The Reference Center has already hosted classes for the fifth cohort of our Business School.

This partnership is only natural. CRAB is a benchmark for the handmade sector. It showcases the very best of Brazilian craftsmanship, and our work at Rede ASTA is to ensure our artisans reach that level through a more entrepreneurial mindset. Our goals converge. – Alice Freitas | co-founder of Rede ASTA

CRAB (Sebrae Reference Center for Brazilian Handicrafts)

Praça Tiradentes, 67 to 71 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro
Tuesday to Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm
Free admission