TEHRAN -- Iran’s Handicrafts Week featured a wide network of commercial and promotional activities aimed at strengthening market access for artisans, according to director-general for Marketing and Commercialization of Handicrafts at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Farzad Ojani.
Framed as a response to ongoing economic pressures affecting craftspeople, the program included 63 exhibitions, 22 temporary marketplaces, and 30 specialized seminars held across the country between June 9 and 17.
 Ojani said the nationwide initiative was designed to address one of the most persistent challenges facing artisans: limited access to stable and sustainable sales channels. 
He noted that most events began on June 9 and continued through the end of the week-long program, involving coordinated efforts by provincial cultural heritage offices.
In total, 1,760 booths were set up across exhibitions and temporary markets, representing at least 1,760 artisans who participated directly in showcasing and selling their work. 
According to officials, sales took place through both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels, reflecting an effort to diversify commercial opportunities for the sector.
Authorities said the initiative was intended to help mitigate financial pressures on artisans, which have reportedly intensified in the aftermath of recent economic disruptions.
Beyond the week-long program, the ministry also announced plans to expand the model through the 
establishment of regular handicrafts “day markets” and “night markets” across all provinces. Some of these initiatives are already operational, while others are in planning or early implementation stages.
The proposed markets, developed in coordination with municipal authorities, are expected to be held in public pedestrian areas and other designated urban spaces, as well as venues affiliated with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. 
Officials say the long-term objective is to create permanent and recurring platforms that ensure continuous exposure and income opportunities for handicraft producers across the country.