Handicraft cooperatives Romano ButiQ from Romania -in the top 10 best ideas for social innovation in Europe
Handicraft cooperative network Romano ButiQ was one of the winners of the competition “ERSTE Foundation Award for Social Integration ” , was named by the European Commission as one of the ten best ideas for social innovation at European level in the Social Innovation Competition and it was rewarded at the Civil Society Gala for social economy.
Mesteshukar ButiQ (MBQ ), the network of social economy enterprises called ” Roman ButiQ ” cooperatives aims revaluing traditional Roma crafts.
The Cooperatives Romano ButiQ offers a real development opportunity for those who wish to revalue traditional craft and bringing it in front of the public.
Acting as small social business for Roma craftsmen to be able to produce and sell goods, the cooperatives are based, primarily, on the desire to work and on the market demand for products manufactured from raw materials like wood, wicker, iron, silver brass, copper or aluminum.
The approach also facilitates the preservation of tradition and identity of Roma and the increase of cultural diversity in a society free of prejudice and discrimination.
Here is the study by Romano ButiQ about Roma crafts.
Based on the belief that practicing traditional crafts can be a viable economic solution and a way to preserve the cultural identity of Roma communities and continuing the activities of the project Romano Cher – Casa Romilor, project that established 30 cooperative craft, Romano ButiQ Association carries on the tradition of legendary behavior that through artistry and dedication, passed from generation to generation, genuine passion for crafts and quality products.