Monrovia Liberia- Dec 4, 2015 the United States Embassy in Liberia held a program marking the hosting of the 2015 Arts and Craft Fair Day with a call for support to Liberian artists.

Speaking at the program Acting Commerce Minister Cyril Allen, II lauded the U.S Embassy for being committed to providing an environment for Liberian artists to display their potential.

Minister Allen said arts and crafts alone provide millions of jobs in Southern Africa, adding it is time for Liberians to support local artists.

The acting Commerce Minister praised vendors for keeping the image of Liberian culture alive and urged them to remain committed as the Government of Liberia is committed to protecting their interest. Minister Allen also encouraged the vendors to take advantage of the Small Business empowerment act that ensures that 25% of all government procurement goes to Liberian owned businesses.

Speaking during the program, outgoing United States to Liberia Deborah R. Malac said the Embassy remains committed to ensuring the hosting of the fair for Liberian artists because it has become a tradition and that the arts and crafts fair has for the past six years provided a unique opportunity for Liberian artists to showcase their products to empower themselves. The ambassador further emphasized that the fair also provides an opportunity for the artists to learn from each other about quality control and marketing. She pledged the Embassy's commitment to hosting the fair for Liberians artists because it allows them to make more money than what they earn during the rest of the year.

Altogether 75 Liberian arts and crafts vendors were represented at the Fair, with a wide range of handcrafted goods on display; the vendors remarked that the fair was a much anticipated event of their calendars as revenue generated from the fair usually represents around 20% of their annual sales.