DCU Alumna Josiane Cotrim Macieira Named Ambassador for Jequitinhonha Valley Artisans at Maison & Objet 2026
DCU Alumna Josiane Cotrim Macieira Named Ambassador for Jequitinhonha Valley Artisans at Maison & Objet 2026
From the clay of the Jequitinhonha Valley in Minas Gerais, Brazil, comes an art form rich with identity, tradition, and generation-spanning history. DCU alumna Josiane Cotrim Macieira has been chosen as the ambassador for a major cultural initiative bringing this heritage to the global stage.
Josiane recently joined local artisans in Paris to showcase their work at the prestigious Maison & Objet 2026 exhibition. Among the featured works is a stunning ceramic ciranda, handcrafted by the artisans of Campo Alegre, a group dedicated to keeping the region's ancestral pottery traditions alive while transforming generational knowledge into unique pieces of art.
In a video documenting the event, artisans Anisia Lima, Adriana Xavier, Alice Costa, Andreia Andrade, and Augusto Ribeiro share what it means to experience this milestone and present their craftsmanship to an international audience in Paris.
Promoted through the Vale do Jequitinhonha Collective Brand, the project focuses on three key pillars:
- Empowering Local Creators: Bringing direct visibility and recognition to the artisans behind the craft.
- Protecting Cultural Heritage: Preserving one of Minas Gerais’ most vital artistic traditions.
- Expanding International Reach: Sharing Brazil's authentic cultural narrative with global design platforms.
This initiative stands as a celebration of ceramics, culture, and community.
Learn more about the project and view photos of Josiane alongside the artisans on Instagram: @valedojequitinhonharegiao
