History

2010-2011

Launch of the first phase of the TASA Project by the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission [CCDR Algarve] – Technical implementation of the project, lasting one year, contracted to “The Home Project”:

Involvement of 11 crafts people;
Creation of 27 products with a new image and function;
Consultation with five traditional arts companies;
Publication of a book on the project;
Creation of a blog;
Production and editing of audiovisual content following every stage of the project – teasers for the blog and documentary video – contracted to CESO Internacional.

2011-2012

The CCDR Algarve announces the ‘Terms of Reference’ for selecting non profit organisations applying to manage, consolidate and promote the project, without any financial compensation for the selected proposal:

Protocol between the CCDR Algarve and the Manuel Viegas Guerreiro Foundation;
Termination, by mutual agreement, of the CCDR – Manuel Viegas Guerreiro Foundation protocol and request for tender of other proposals (non profit organisations and companies) to manage, consolidate and promote the project, without any financial compensation for the selected proposal.

2012-2013

Creation, by Proactivetur, of a multidisciplinary team to manage TASA:

Protocol between the CCDR Algarve and Proactivetur – Responsible Tourism – without funding from the promoter, in place (since March 2012);
Implementation, as per a business plan, of a strategy of self-sustainability based on the sale of products, services and tourist activities, involving craftspeople;
Organisation of the event “Ligações” – o artesanato ligado ao futuro [“Connections” – handicrafts connected to the future] (exhibitions, conversations and workshops regarding traditional arts);
Organisation of an international creative residence in which designers and craftspeople worked together in the creation of four new products.

2014-2015

Participation in the ‘Shapes’ competition, organised in Portugal by the University of the Algarve through its Entrepreneurialism and Technology Transfer Division (CRIA), partner in the Sha.p.e.s. – Sharing prior excellence and support for the Med creative asset project. The TASA Project was selected as the best project – to represent Portugal at three events in France – Shapes Design Week, Italy – Milan International Fair – Homi and Spain – Barcelona Design Week;
Production of a prototype for the “Sleep tight” cork cradle designed by architect duo Karin Pereira and Sofia Chinita, which won 2nd prize in the ‘Green Furniture Award’ competition;
Became a partner of the Loulé Criativo Turismo initiative, as part of its programme of workshops and mini courses related to traditional arts;
Implementation of the second phase of the CCDR project contracted to Proactivetur;
Creation of 15 new products, involvement of 13 craftspeople and seven new traditional techniques, from the Algarve, Alentejo, and Spain’s Andalusia;
Collaboration of pupils from three schools in the Algarve (creation of graphic designs to use in the products);
Design of suitable labling and packaging for storing the products
Publication of the 2015-16 catalogue;
Part of the “Portuguese Arts and Crafts: paths of innovation” Thematic Exhibition at FIA – International Craft Fair.

2016-2017

“Mercury – Non-Food Trade” Award;
25 new products in catalog / online store;
55 customized products;
25 tourist experiences involving about 300 participants Production of a creative residence with traditional arts “Designers de Loulé”;
Consultancy to develop 4 projects for the valorisation of traditional crafts (“Loulé Criativo”; Alcoutim CRafts valorisation; “The art of the tinsmith – Silves”;
Organization of a 125h tinsmith course (5 apprentices);
Co-organization of a 150h cuppersmith course (4 apprentices) (“Loulé Criativo”);
Exporting to United States of America, France, Spain, Germany, Japan;
Partnership with Vila Vita, Anantara, Vila Joya, Ozadi Tavira, Casa Modesta, Loja Poeira.

2018-2019

Secondphase of the Project “The art of the tinsmith” – 3 new tinsmiths artisans and a tinssmith art tour in the village of S. B. Messines (Algarve). This project developed under the EDP Produção Traditions Program was supported by the Municipality of Silves and Messines Parish Council and was recognized at national level by the program itself, as a success case;
Consultancy for TASA Alentejo Project (promoter: Beja Municipality which resulted in the creation of new products with local artisans and also in the community involvement (namely students from the Secondary School);
Promotion of a training program “Artisans of the 21st Century”: 6 apprentices. After, two of them were integrated in the TASA team Launching an innovation award for design students: 2 winning projects: 1 new product in the catalog;
New products development with the new artisans;
IEFP/UPA status recognizing Proactivetur as an Artisanal Productive Unit;
Rebranding – communication focused on the relation between TASA and the sustainability values: “ethical”, “cultural” and “sustainable”;
Partner in Algarve 365 to design, develop and produce a product for the artistic “Moda Vestra” vinyl;
Promoting a cultures program for the “Islamic Festival of Mértola” (2019 edition) linking traditional arts with Islamic artifacts, visual cultures and food custos;
Internation consultancy for Cape Verde aiming the valorization of the craft in São Nicolau (Cape Verde) under the CVE / 081 Program – Employment and Employability of Luxembourg Cooperation with SN-Turismo, Ribeira Brava and Tarrafal (artisans network creation, brand for Saniclau Crafts and set of new products);
Exhibition production for Associação Almargem (“Educarte: Educating for the Territory”) with the title: “Via Algarviana – A compliment to nature – Traditional handicrafts”;
Design and production for Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – a set of lamps for the new “Casa dos Oficinas” inspired by Achigã fish, produced with wood, bulrush and clay;
Creative experiences involving around 300 participants;
Introducing 6 young artisans and 6 new artisans from Alentejo in TASA network.