WILLEMSTAD - On Thursday, October 5, Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development, together with Minister of Traffic, Transportation, and Urban Planning, Mr. Charles Cooper, officially opened the "Curaçao Art Plaza" in the presence of officials from VVRP, MEO, CTB, Fundashon Marshe, Renaissance, craft vendors, artists, and the attending public. Minister Cijntje expressed great pride in seeing the Plan for the City Markets becoming a reality. On this occasion, the focus was on the craft vending area, Kòrsou Art Plaza, located between the Renaissance Hotel and Megapier, with the goal of promoting local products and items that represent our country and culture. The Minister informed that there are plans to market this site to tourists staying in hotels through CTB, allowing them to visit the area.
In his speech, Minister Cijntje expressed gratitude to all who attended the opening of Kòrsou Art Plaza. He congratulated the CTB for the tremendous execution of this project and warmly welcomed every entrepreneur who will be part of Kòrsou Art Plaza. The Minister wished each of the entrepreneurs great success with their future plans and indicated that they can count on his ministry for assistance and that they will be heard.
The realization of the "Kòrsou Art Plaza" is part of the City Market Plan approved by the Council of Ministers. The primary purpose of this plan was to restructure and reorganize the city markets in our downtown area, to bring or revive functions that bring life to the city center. In terms of craft vendors, by grouping them together in one place, it ensures a more orderly appearance in our city center, vendors have equal opportunities to sell their products, and it also facilitates aspects of control and marketing. According to this plan, the Fuik/Awasá area where craft vendors in Otrobanda used to stand until now will become an area where people can sit and enjoy the breathtaking view of Handelskade and Fort Amsterdam. In this area, there will be only "standplaats" for artists who play music, paint, etc., while this area will be complemented by two "standplaats" for local food and beverage.
The Fundashon Marshe is the organization that the government has entrusted with the maintenance of all buildings and structures of the city markets in the downtown area, including the stands at "Kòrsou Art Plaza." In addition, Fundashon Marshe supervises the vendors to ensure that they comply with the conditions in their permit, and guides them to improve and grow as entrepreneurs with the intention that after some years, they can move to another location with their business, making space available for other individuals who want to start a business.