The Vice-President of the Government announced in Angra do Heroísmo that the Government will support 145 projects from all islands under the Incentive Scheme for the Development of the Azores Handicrafts (SIDART), through the incentives created by the Regional Government. The amount reaches 265 thousand Euros, representing an overall investment of 480 thousand Euros.
 
These projects, eligible for support under this year's edition of SIDART, cover areas such as craft training, promotion of the sector, investment in Craft Production Units (UPA), and qualification and innovation of craft products.
 
"This is another initiative that intends to enhance regional handicrafts," stated Sérgio Ávila at the end of a visit to the Urban Craft Market (MUA) taking place at Pátio da Alfândega until July 29.
 
For the Vice-President of the Government, this measure supports the professional activity of artisans as well as the development of their companies in terms of marketing, training and investment in structures and equipment.
 
"Handicrafts in the Azores, particularly on Terceira Island, have grown considerably in recent years in terms of quantity and quality. Sales volumes have increased significantly, which has contributed to the generation of income, wealth and employment," said the government official.
 
According to Sérgio Ávila, the Regional Government has been "reinforcing the support for handicrafts." Last year, it supported 142 projects submitted by Craft Production Units in the most diverse areas, reaching a reimbursed amount of more than 240 thousand Euros.
 
We are undertaking an effort under the Incentive Scheme for the Development of the Azores Handicrafts so that our artisans may have increased capacity of production and qualification," emphasised the government official.
 
Currently, there are more than 561 artisans registered in the Azores, representing an increase of 56% compared to 2012, where were 359 craft companies in the archipelago.