From April 8–12, Rio Artes returns for its 18th edition, set to generate R$10M and debut a groundbreaking partnership with Cimed.
Rio Artes arrives at its 18th edition as the leading event for training and business in the creative economy of Rio de Janeiro state. Running from April 8 to 12, 2026, at ExpoRio Cidade Nova, the fair is expected to generate around R$10 million across its preparation, execution, and post-event phases.
Over its history, the event has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors. Each edition creates over 500 direct and indirect jobs, activating a chain that spans industry, retail, technology, food, and logistics.
Creativity as a livelihood
Brazil is undergoing a quiet transformation. The creative economy already accounts for 3.1% of national GDP and is projected to generate more than 1 million new jobs by 2030. Behind these figures are thousands of people who turned talent into income and craftsmanship into financial independence.
“When we talk about the creative economy, we’re not just talking about statistics. We’re talking about people who support their families with what they make, women who found in handicrafts a source of income, young people who started with a hobby and are now entrepreneurs. The fair exists to give these people structure, training, and opportunity.” — Roberto Santos, organizer of Rio Artes
According to Santos, the fair has grown well beyond a simple exhibition space. “Rio Artes is no longer just a showcase. Today it’s a training and business platform. The public wants to learn, to professionalize what they do, to sell better. Here they find technique, market access, and connections.”
Handmade in the age of AI
As artificial intelligence advances across sectors, the appreciation for handcrafted, personalized, and one-of-a-kind products is growing just as fast. “Technology expands possibilities but cannot replace identity, creativity, and lived experience. Consumers want something unique — they want to know who made it, they want to consume with purpose. Handmade goods have taken on a new economic meaning,” Santos explains.
The fair’s technical program reflects this shift, with workshops covering painting on wood, fabric and ceramics, crochet, knitting, amigurumi, biscuit modeling, cold resin, macramé, sustainable fashion, natural dyeing, watercolor, collage, handmade soaps and candles, plus live pastry and culinary demonstrations.
New spaces and regional reach
The 2026 edition introduces two new dedicated spaces: the Fashion Atelier and the Patisserie Atelier, expanding the range of technical content and market trends. The event will also feature a Teens Space, focused on nurturing the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
The fair will include participation from the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat for Culture and Creative Economy and seven municipal governments from across the state, bringing local artisans and cultural expressions to the event and strengthening regional development.
Key partnerships: Fecomércio, Senac and Sesc
The 2026 edition renews the partnership with Fecomércio RJ, bringing Sesc and Senac into active roles at the fair. Senac RJ will occupy an 81m² space with workshops in Creative Sewing, Product Photography, and Social Media Design.
On Saturday, April 11, Senac RJ will host two auditorium talks: “From Cost to Profit: Pricing Strategies for Artisans” and “First Steps to Becoming an Entrepreneur.” Sesc RJ will contribute panels on sustainability, innovation, and management, alongside a sales space for artisans and live musical performances.
An unprecedented partnership with Cimed
One of the biggest highlights of this edition is the debut of Cimed as a fair partner. The company will set up a booth featuring personalized keychain workshops, where visitors can craft exclusive pieces and learn customization techniques — reinforcing the DIY and personalization trend.
“Cimed’s participation shows how the creative economy is connecting different sectors. Today, even traditional industry looks at handmade goods, personalization, and craftsmanship as a way to get closer to people and foster creativity and entrepreneurship.” — Roberto Santos, organizer of Rio Artes
Brands Acrilex and Círculo, major suppliers of materials for the craft sector, will also be present. The edition further expands its global reach through a cultural and commercial exchange between Brazil and Portugal.
Event Info
- Event: Rio Artes 2026 — 18th edition
- Venue: ExpoRio Cidade Nova
- Address: R. Beatriz Larragoiti Lucas, s/n, Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
- Dates: April 8–12, 2026
- Full price ticket: R$30
- Half price: R$15
- Age rating: 8 years and older
- More info: https://feirarioartes.com.br
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