Artêz: inovação e tradição na modernização do artesanato feminino no Mercado das Tulhas

Abstract

The research is based on the question "How can the commercialization of handicrafts produced by women at the Mercado das Tulhas, in São Luís do Maranhão, be modernized and valued through technological solutions that meet their practical needs while promoting cultural preservation?". It presents the development of the Artêz app as a digital tool aimed at enhancing the visibility and appreciation of women's artisanal work; mitigating the limited access these artisans have to the digital market; and expanding the discussion on the need for technological and sustainable tools that integrate tradition, culture, and innovation. The theoretical framework is divided into five subsections addressing topics such as digital marketing, female entrepreneurship, historical and social aspects of women's labor, local Maranhão culture, and the sustainability of handicrafts. The methodology adopted includes semi-structured qualitative interviews with the artisans and a bibliographic review, with the goal of understanding their realities and needs – insights that grounded the development of the app prototype. In the final considerations, the study highlightsthe importance of combining tradition and technology as a strategy for cultural appreciation.