ToBeTupi
www.tobetupi.com

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

Sonia participated in the Dirt Cafe Regeration Debate last year, contributing her view on the community work and its importance to the design of a new world. For the Dirt Cafe Water Salon, she presented the traditional Brazilian ceramic filters.

As described by Sonia in her mission statement:

“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.
     The Brazilian 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.
     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.
     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 and art.
     That is what ToBeTupi’s passion is all about – the Brazilian gifted, full-blooded bold-hearted people.”