The Poitou-Charentes region, represented by its President, Ms Ségolène Royal

The Poitou-Charentes region, represented by its President, Ms Ségolène Royal, is showcasing excellence in French Arts and Crafts at the Muscat International Folklore and Handicrafts Festival in Oman.

For the second year running, the Poitou-Charentes region is honoured to represent French Arts and Crafts at the Muscat International Folklore and Handicrafts Festival in Oman. This unique exhibition brings together 1,600,000 visitors to admire handicrafts. It will take place from 7 to 23 February 2014, attended by 14 regional artisans.

The President of the Poitou-Charentes region, Ms Ségolène Royal, will be in Oman from 9 to 12 February to attend the inauguration of the French area focussing on Poitou-Charentes, scheduled for 7.00 pm on 9 February.

Located on the west coast of France between Paris and Bordeaux, the Poitou-Charentes region cultivates discreet charm and secrets. Alongside its major tourist destinations like La Rochelle, Cognac, the Marais Poitevin, the Futuroscope and beach resorts on the Atlantic coast, the Poitou-Charentes region is eager to share its rich historic heritage. It boasts many professional artisans with an impressive command of secular craft techniques.
This event is thus a splendid showcase for Poitou-Charentes, as a springboard for local talent and excellence serving the regional economy. The aim is to help these artisans raise their profiles in order to contribute to the development of arts and crafts.
There are over 1,000 professional artisans in Poitou-Charentes working in 19 time-honoured sectors, deploying 217 crafts handed down over the generations. This economic sector receives backing from the Poitou-Charentes region, in particular via the Chamber of Arts and Crafts (CRMA) and its "Arts and Crafts Mission" which aims to:
- Promote the sector,
- Raise awareness of marketing and train professionals in it,
- Support start-ups,
- Lead and support increasing professionalism,
- Conduct business intelligence and maintain an up-to-date database.

14 artisans with various talents will be exporting their work and creative flair at the show in Oman in 2014.
- Jérôme Clochard, Mosaic cutter and setter
- Luc Rockenbauer, Set painter
- Martine Forget, Decorator
- Philippe Riffaud Theallier, Master glass artist
- Isabelle Arpagian, Set painter
- Françoise Pare Daviaud, Framing Specialist
- Lina Bonnet, Framing Specialist
- Jérôme Harduin, Interior decorator
- Marina Gelineau, Master glass artist
- Dominique Savin, Cabinet-maker
- Sylvain Raud, Stone carver
- François Desforges, Stone mason
- Christophe Bret, Cabinet-maker
- Anne-Marie Naboulet, Metal enameller

These artisans will be leveraging the opportunity of a trip to Oman to contact interior architects in the region.
Come to the Muscat International Folklore and Handicrafts Festival in Oman to meet them!
For further information, contact:
- Maryline Simoné, spokesperson, regional councillor - +33 (0)6 31 24 64 30; maryline.simone@gmail.com
- Ghislaine Desevedavy – Press Officer - g.desevedavy@cr-poitou-charentes.fr