SIAO

History

The idea of creating the Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) was born from the will of the Burkinabe political authorities who realized that handicrafts contributed strongly to the growth of African economies in the same way as agriculture.

Begun with an exhibition and sale of handicrafts in 1984, the Salon was established in 1990 with the participation of about thirty African countries.

For a better management of the event, the national authorities provided it with an administrative structure.

The SIAO is an event strongly solicited by African states. Organized every two (2 years), this fair is an ideal framework for African artisans who market their products on national and international markets.

In addition to the organization of the Biennale of African Handicrafts, the SIAO encourages and facilitates the holding of artistic, cultural and commercial events on its site.

It has a network of skills, a great expertise in auditing, consulting and training in the field of handicrafts.

Also, the SIAO carries out service activities including the rental of pavilions and exhibition materials. Refocusing on the development of authentic craftsmanship.

Beyond the traditional craft market, the SIAO is a place of meetings, exchanges for all professionals of African art: art, design, tableware, fashion, decoration, furniture ... Each edition, the SIAO creates thematic aisles in the air-conditioned hall to bring together excellence and explore the richness of craftsmanship of the African continent.

 

Get informed, exchange, train around the theme of the edition.

A place for exchanges and meetings, the SIAO extends its offer of conferences and training workshops, the essential complement to the sales exhibition.

The SIAO provides visitors and exhibitors with a comprehensive program of conferences on the theme of publishing.

A series of workshops on issues related to production and promotion abroad is offered by specialized centers.

Guest of honor at each edition, a delegation of craftsmen and officials from a country shares with its African counterparts its passion for crafts, its concerns about production and marketing of products.

 

The "most" of the SIAO

Creativity is rewarded. In the Creativity Pavilion, find the best products of each edition. A jury composed of experts and professionals of international renown selects in all the exhibition and sales areas of the event, high quality handcrafted products, marketable for export.

All the components of the market together

• Sculpture (wood, bronze)
• Leather goods
• Textile and clothing
• Vanerie
• Pottery
• Embroidery
• Pottery (ceramics)
• Armoury
• Musical instruments
• Jewelry
• Decoration objects
• Ironwork
• Weaving
• Batik
• Recovery craftsmanship
• Furniture