Périgord-Limousin, a source of opportunity for craftsmen

The challenge of artistic crafts

More than 300 Métiers d'Art* professionals are based or have their activity in Périgord-Limousin and more than 80 different crafts are at work. This activity represents at least 1500 jobs in Périgord-Limousin: isolated craftsmen (80% of professionals) rub shoulders with medium-sized or large companies). More than 70 municipalities in the Park are involved in arts and crafts activities.

The challenge for Artistic Crafts professionals

Artistic Crafts are practiced in very small workshops, SMEs or larger companies, particularly luxury goods.

Professionals carry out their activity in a constantly evolving context: economic context, customer consumption habits, communication systems, distribution, market innovation, etc., and professionals must be both creator and leader. business, trader, communicator…

Exchanges with these craftsmen and their representatives highlight their needs for assistance in the promotion and development of local workshops while maintaining the Artistic Crafts specificity of the pieces produced. The significant “Crafts of Art” activity in the Park territory is not visible to the public (and to a lesser extent, the communities) and professionals struggle to find opportunities in the territory.

Also, today the challenge, for craft professionals, lies in their ability to distinguish themselves from competition and industrial production by highlighting the identity and territorial anchoring of their products but also taking into account issues linked to the fight against global warming in their artistic practice and approach. Professionals are led, in the current economic and environmental context, to promote the sustainability of production and seek the use of local resources as a source of inspiration and material for creation.

THE PROBLEM OF ART CRAFTS FOR THE TERRITORY

The development of artistic crafts generates employment opportunities at the local level, stimulates its economy (strengthens local commerce) and promotes the creation of sustainable jobs. This activity diversifies the economic base of the territory by adding a creative and artisanal dimension to its economic fabric. The establishment of artisan workshops thus contributes to the revitalization of municipalities. Art crafts also contribute to residential attractiveness. They offer a more attractive image to the territory for potential residents. The presence of artisan workshops, places of discovery and cultural events can influence the choice of people looking for a dynamic place to live. From a societal point of view, artistic crafts reinforce the feeling of belonging and can develop that of commitment within the Parc community. Residents can be proud of local artisans, participate in artistic events and support the sector economically, thus strengthening social ties within Périgord-Limousin. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices within the artistic professions, Périgord-Limousin promotes economic development that is respectful of the environment and in line with contemporary values ​​and concerns. Thus, by promoting the establishment of these professions, while increasing the resilience of the territory in the face of climate change, Périgord-Limousin can strengthen its cultural identity, create pride in belonging to the territory and stimulate the local economy. The problem is therefore for Périgord-Limousin to make artistic crafts a catalyst for the growth and prosperity of the territory. This must be done by supporting professionals present in the region and by encouraging the reception of new craftspeople.

* Non-exhaustive PNRPL/PEMA 2022 census

ACTIONS TO PROMOTE ART CRAFTS AND KNOW-HOW

In this area, the actions carried out by the Park, with the driving forces of the territory, contribute to positioning Périgord-Limousin as an innovative territory with quality “know-how”. It works to intensify exchanges between creative actors, in order to encourage the emergence of joint creation and dissemination projects, as well as to provide support to creators.

AND a reflection TO OFFER SUPPORT in terms of sustainable development

Since 2023, the environmental question in the artistic professions has also been included in the issues. The Park is leading a discussion to offer artisanal businesses support in terms of sustainable development, to make the ecological transition a lever for the creation and preservation of resources.

The action of the Park benefits from the support of Nontron and Périgord Limousin Experimental Center for Artistic Crafts (PEMA), a structuring center for arts and crafts in the Park.

The Park's action is implemented with the support of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region as part of the 2024-2026 Park contract.