Patricio Munoz, Ceramicist

COMPARTE is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of economically struggling artisan groups throughout Chile by promoting and exporting their handicrafts. By partnering with Chilean and international organizations, COMPARTE has grown to be the largest handicraft export organization in Chile, providing export, marketing, technical training and design assistance to more than 400 artisans throughout Chile.

COMPARTE was started in 1989 by USEC, the Social Union of Christian Entrepreneurs and Executives, whose goal was to apply the social doctrine of the Catholic Church to business and entrepreneurial fields. COMPARTE has carried out those values and has become a leader in promoting fair trade in Chile and the global marketplace. COMPARTE understands the power of Fair Trade to create a better world, and strives to connect the artisans with whom they work with individuals around the world who appreciate traditional handcrafts.

Chilean handicrafts from COMPARTE reflect a diversity of skills and traditions, and include rainsticks from the Atacama desert, ceramics from the red soil of Pomaire, exquisite glasswork, and jewelry. SERRV has been working with COMPARTE since 1991.