ABOUT US

The inception of the Artisan Market traces back to February 2007, when it originated as a Mama Masai sale held at the Oysterbay Shopping Centre in Dar es Salaam.

Spearheaded by Sona Shah and aided by dedicated Mama Masai volunteers, this market commenced with a humble start of just one vendor table. Witnessing its burgeoning success, the event evolved into a quarterly gathering, welcoming the participation of Mabinti in late 2007, thereby expanding to two vendors. By 2010, the market boasted around 20 vendors, and by 2011, it officially established itself as the Artisan Market.

Sona Shah, Dyan Larmey, and Mia Korsgren, with assistance from Ginnie Waller, served as the original curators. As Ginnie and Mia relocated from Tanzania, Nisha Sanghvi joined Dyan and Sona in late 2011, focusing primarily on marketing and promotions. Over the years, the market has flourished organically, earning a reputation as one of Tanzania's premier biannual handicraft markets bringing in artisans from around the continent. Presently, Sona and Nisha serve as the main coordinators of the Artisan Market.

The mission of the market has remained steadfast: to showcase African artisans and empower the disadvantaged in creating distinctive products. Each market is meticulously curated to uphold standards of quality, innovation, and creativity. The overarching goal is to provide vendors with opportunities for exposure, sales, networking, and collaboration.  In its time it has seen many artisans grow and establish their brand locally and internationally.

Throughout its journey, the market has received invaluable support from various individuals, including Dorothy Mrema, Gretchen Drisenga, Erin Steinhoff, Victor Mwenda, Morris, Saitoti, Gervas and several others.