The 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize has been announced. Read more

Indigenous handicraft market readiness programme

  • Amount funded: £9,000
  • Year: 2024
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Locations: Belize
  • Grant stream: Creative grants
Issue

Many artists in Belize lack access to training needed to develop sustainable livelihoods through their craft.

Project partners
Home of Indigenous Arts Belize
View more detail
How we are helping

This project aims to strengthen the capacity of artists to explore commercial opportunities to showcase their work.

About the project

Home of Indigenous Arts Belize identified a need to support artisans facing economic challenges due to limited market access, training opportunities, and resources. Despite their unique talents, many artists are unable to build a sustainable livelihood from their craft.

This project will support local artists to enhance product quality, increase marketability, and develop new product lines in woodwork, basketry, carving, engraving, and weaving for local and international markets. Through hands-on technical and marketing training sessions, artisans will refine their craft, explore effective sales strategies, and improve design and packaging. The project will also facilitate four marketing showcases across Belize, expanding opportunities for artisans to sell their work.

As a result of the project, it is hoped that the livelihoods of local artists in Belize are improved.

Project Partners
Home of Indigenous Arts Belize

Home of Indigenous Arts Belize collaborates with indigenous artisans from rural communities, supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental practices while improving the livelihoods of men, women, and youth in southern Belize.

Commonwealth Foundation logo

We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.