CIDAP Added a National Poncho Prize to Its 2026 Artisan Calls
Cuenca Expat Staff
Cuenca's artisan world has several open doors this year, and one of them is new.
El Mercurio reports that CIDAP has four 2026 calls open for artisans, collectives, communities and cultural managers.
The calls include CIDAP al Mundo 2026, collective exhibition-sales, the 24th Festival de Artesanias de America (FAAM) and the Medalla CIDAP a la Excelencia Artesanal.
This year, the medal adds a new category: the Premio Nacional Medalla CIDAP al Poncho.
Key Deadlines
- CIDAP al Mundo 2026: open throughout 2026
- Habitar lo cotidiano and Gestos del tiempo exhibitions: applications open through May 29, 2026
- FAAM 2026: applications open through May 29, 2026
- Medalla CIDAP a la Excelencia Artesanal: applications due September 4, 2026
- Poncho prize: applications due September 4, 2026
El Mercurio reports that FAAM 2026 will take place from October 30 to November 3.
The CIDAP medal awards are scheduled for October 30.
Who Can Apply
The CIDAP al Mundo 2026 call is for Ecuadorian artisans and foreign artisans with legal residence in Ecuador who are interested in representing the country at biennials, exhibitions and international fairs.
For the poncho prize, El Mercurio reports eligibility for Ecuadorian artisans or legal residents in Ecuador, plus workshops, artisan families, designers and textile artists.
The traditional category requires at least 10 years of proven trajectory. The innovation category requires three to five years of demonstrated experience and contemporary proposals inspired by Ecuadorian textile tradition.
For expats connected to textiles, design, markets or artisan communities, this is worth sharing. It is not just a prize list; it is a map of where Cuenca's craft institutions are putting attention in 2026.
Source: El Mercurio
