FONART Patriotismo

The FONART Patriotismo store is one of the big favorites of the four FONART shops in Mexico City. It’s not just for the ample parking out front. The Patriotismo store acts almost like a giant department store of fine handcrafted goods the likes of which are available no where else.

• FONART is the Fondo Nacional para el Fomento de las Artesanías (FONART), the National Fund for the Support of Artisans. It’s a public trust fund by the Federal Government, under the Secretary of Culture. The fund was begun in 1974 with the intention of promoting and disseminating Mexican artisan goods while supporting artisans so that they receive better remuneration from sales of their work. FONART supports training and technical assistance, production support in the purchase of raw materials, health prevention, community-based purchases at fair prices, and sales through the FONART stores, national and international fairs and exhibitions, artisan competitions, strategic projects, and support for workshops and outlets in travel areas.

One needs to visit the actual FONART Patriotismo store to get the point. It’s not about decorating your house or handing out sterling gifts. FONART makes your participation in the culture, struggle, beliefs, values, and understandings of the people of Mexico into part of the story. Owning an artisan work is secondary to sharing in the history and perspective that makes each work not only unique, but invaluable.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.