Hand formed boxes containing Grenada-made products – are to be displayed during the first week in February at the Aid to Artisan Market Readiness Program in New York City. The boxes are the outputs of the Waste Paper Packaging Project funded by the Organization of American States and executed by the Grenada Arts Council – Artisan Support Programme, and will be on show to ATA consultants during product review and critique sessions. The Waste Paper Packaging Project involves hands-on training in converting waste paper into handmade/handformed boxes primarily for agro-products, craft and gift items. The MRP is held at the same time as the New York International Gift Fair - the largest trade show in the US for gifts and decorative accessories. Markets represented include general giftware, tabletop and homewares, decorative and personal accessories, museum gifts, ethic, traditional, country and contemporary crafts, specialty foods, contemporary design products, juvenile products and floral products. The NYIGF draw attendees from specialty and department stores, gift shops, jewelry stores, interior designers, importers and distributors of home products, mail order catalogs, museums and galleries, stationery stores, craft retailers, garden centers, with over six days. The MRP provides an opportunity to see and learn about the US market for gifts and decorative accessories, via training seminars and visits to the New York International Gift Fair and retail stores in New York City. WPP project facilitator Suelin Low Chew Tung, the Admin Officer for the Grenada Arts Council’s Artisan Support Programme, is attending the MRP to access training and information for Grenada’s craft producers on what is needed to be “ready” to enter the US market successfully. She has indicated that ‘Bulk production of this new packaging has the potential to create a novel micro industry to support Grenada’s Craft and Gift Sector. In addition, it has the potential to reduce the annual volume of waste paper going to the state’s landfills - approximately 8 tonnes.’ The GAC gratefully acknowledges the strong support provided to the project by the OAS Grenada office and the ministries housed in the Botanical Gardens. Ms. Low Chew Tung gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the ministries of Trade, Tourism, and the Prime Minister’s Office towards her attendance at the Market Readiness Program; and the tenants of the Grenada Craft Centre who have provided product to stock the boxes. Source: gov.gd