April 17, 2023

The International Handicrafts Fair returns to the Fortezza da Basso

An exciting journey into creativity from 25 April to 1 May in Florence

Everything is ready for MIDA, the 87th International Handicrafts Trade Fair, organised by Firenze Fiera in cooperation with the main institutions and trade associations, which will take place at the Fortezza da Basso from 25 April to 1 May.

The Sala della Volta hosts UP TO THE CRAFT - Percorsi generativi. The exhibition is promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze and curated by its instrumental entity Associazione OMA -Osservatorio dei Mestieri d'Arte together with Gruppo Editoriale and the University of Florence, Department of Architecture. The selection brings together generative paths of artisans, artists, designers and entrepreneurs as well as projects with a high inclusive and social value and prototypes by university students practising the hybridisation of craftsmanship and design according to the logic of reuse and recycling. An exchange of content that allows the craftsman to innovate models and learn about new trends in the recovery of materials made according to the methods and tools of material tinkering, favouring the circular economy.

An exhibition that has always been a must-attend event for many fans of 'savoir-faire', an exciting journey to the roots of creativity with an endless variety of creations and products that wink at technological innovation and sustainability, presented in the Fortezza by many exhibitors from every corner of Italy and from various countries around the world.

The 87th edition takes place concurrently with ABITA, the event on the 360° home 'planet' offering innovative solutions in the fields of furnishing, green building, design and greenery. The public can visit both exhibitions with the same entrance ticket, meeting exhibitors, technicians and experts from the various sectors.

Numerous craft enterprises, designers, and young makers will be present at the fair, reconfirming MIDA's attractive force for launching the craft of the future. Watchwords: creativity, beauty, innovation for a future of the 'handmade' that is increasingly green and sustainable, attractive and in step with the times.

The programme of events is rich with exhibitions, conventions, workshops, didactic laboratories and live work and the active participation of the global craft community.

At the Palazzina Lorenese, from 25 April and for the entire duration of MIDA 2023, a rich calendar of free workshops of a practical-interactive nature aimed at children and young people between 6 and 11 years of age is scheduled for booking.

Wo-Men at Work, Artists and Artisans of Tuscany is the photographic exhibition by a professional in the field of audiovisual communication, Stefano Lupi, who at the Sala dell'Arco realises this initiative as a tribute to the whole of Tuscany. The intent of the exhibition is to illustrate, in its various stages, the work methodology and the complex system of craftsmanship.

To once again sanction the close union between art, craftsmanship and collecting, in the wake of the success of the Officina Bardini exhibition held at the Bardini Museum, Officina Bardini in Fortezza, organised by the Municipality of Florence with MUS.E, the Regional Museums Directorate of Tuscany and the University of Florence, is being staged in the Sala Ottagonale. The exhibition can be visited on a guided tour every 30 minutes: all those who book the visit will be entitled to the reduced MIDA online ticket at €6.

Building on the success of the last edition, the Scuola Le Arti Orafe (LAO) will set up at the Polveriera the exhibition Training and Contemporary Goldsmithing - Jewellery and Fashion, an area entirely dedicated to goldsmith training.

On the 'taste' front, a Show Cooking area will be set up on the attic floor of the Spadolini Pavilion by Unicoop Firenze on 29, 30 April and 1 May with free tasting and events, and on behalf of the Tuscan Cooks' Association on the remaining days of the fair (25,26,27 and 28 April).

Opening hours: 25-29-30 April and 1 May: 10 a.m./10 p.m. - 26-27-28 April: 10 a.m./8 p.m.

Outdoor catering: open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with free admission on 26-27-28 April from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

Admission ticket: Full: € 7.00 - Online: € 6.00
Reduced price: UNICOOP.FI members and CNA and CONFARTIGIANATO members (valid on 26, 27 and 28 April): € 5.00