Passion, Culture and Beauty …

Created in 2004 and led by journalist Sônia Maia, ToBeTupi has showcased in the UK unique works hand made by some of the most passionate and finest Brazilian artists, designers and artisans. There is a very individual, richly mixed cultural heritage in each artefact.

Brazilian artisans are incredibly talented, inspirational and well distributed across the vast country. Official numbers estimate 8,5 million active artisans working in Brazil. They are part of an exciting, everlasting effervescent and challenging world.

It is also true that, despite the country's social and political problems, which affect all sectors and each of its citizens, if there is will and financial support it is possible to achieve quite a lot. The handicraft market has been growing through all regions of Brazil at a steady pace and it is now worth around US$12 billion (£6.1 billions) or 3% of Brazilian GDP. And yet exports are just a small fraction.

There is a huge variety of products for all pockets: from the cheapest sold in popular open fairs to the exclusive artefact available in the top end market. Brazilian handicraft has also played an influential role in the trendy-fashion scenario - it has been explored by well known designers, working with and without the communities.

This boost is the result of a widespread community-based work, notably in the Brazilian handicraft sector. The most successful are managed by established institutions and renowned NGO's such as Sebrae and IPE. The non-profit private institution Sebrae, for example, has played a fundamental role in enhancing capability across the communities and through the publication of catalogues and promotion via trade fairs.

A lot of work is nevertheless still to be done - political, socio-economic and environmental pressures haunting the country make the daily life of these communities very hard going. Encouragingly the resilience of Brazilian artists and artisans is scoring important goals in their fight for self sustainability and in having their voice heard. They are showing off a fertile ground and igniting the light at the end of a long and dark tunnel.

ToBeTupi believes in the principle of culture over super profits, of ownership of one's work and of creating meaningful choices. ToBeTupi believes that the end of greed; the sharing of the world's wealth; and the growth of equalitarianism and solidarity are essential in achieving the change needed for preserving the world's cultural heritage and environment. And we believe that, notwithstanding certain challenges, Brazil can contribute to the making of a new world through its most important asset - its people.

That is what ToBeTupi's passion is all about - the Brazilian spirited, sparkling, bold-hearted people.

Sônia Maia