Por trás das cortinas: Desenvolvimento territorial e as políticas culturais para o artesanato

Abstract

Considering the scope assumed by handicraft sector in regional development, for it circulates territorial cultures and moves their economies in order to dialogue with global demands, this research aims to understand Cultural Public Policies for handicraft sector in Campina Grande (Paraíba, Brazil) and its interface with development dynamics in the territory. This study is a qualitative approach. Its subjects were selected among the main agents related to handicraft policies‟ formulation, implementation and target, that is, the government, artisans and handicraft merchants. In order to collect data, scripts semi-structured interviews have been used. As secondary data, official documents such as meeting minutes, statutes and laws have been used as well. Data were analyzed through Bardin‟s Content Analysis. Data indicate that handicraft sector's ability to generate cultural and territorial development is not measured by statistics. However, its promising ability to boost municipality is acknowledged, for its creative capacity. After all, handicraft sector contributes not only to the city‟s cultural visibility aspects or to improve employment and income for artisans, but it has allowed development for artisans as subjects, because it inserts them in arenas of political disputes for recognition and rights guarantee. Such aspects are relevant to the artisans become more politicized and active in discussions and decision processes. Thus, Cultural Public Policies collaborate to improve handicraft sector and territory development, because they evolve economy. Besides, such policies redirect to issues such as cultural heritage preservation and territory cultural identities. On the other hand, they enhance situated individuals who act directly in the city‟s fostering cultural vitality. Research finally found out that Cultural Public Policies increase artisans‟ living conditions.