CREATIVE ECONOMY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: PERSPECTIVES ONSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF SÃO JOSÉ DO RIO PRETO –SP, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze how handicrafts in São José do Rio Preto – SP, Brazil, contribute to
economic, social, and sustainable development, relating their activities to the principles of the
creative economy and the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) of the UN's 2030 Agenda. This is a qualitative and descriptive study, based on a literature review and the application
of a questionnaire to local artisans and the Riopretense Association of New Artisans and Manual
Producers (ARNAP), aiming to understand the profile of the producers, the marketing channels, and
the challenges faced by the sector. The results indicate that local handicrafts are predominantly
produced by women, representing an important means of productive inclusion and cultural
preservation, although marked by informality and low income. Furthermore, sales occur
predominantly through informal digital means, such as WhatsApp® and Instagram®, indicating low
adoption of digital tools and revealing a need for technological training. It was also observed that
there is limited integration between artisans and support institutions, which restricts access to public
policies and collective strengthening strategies. It is concluded that the handicrafts of Rio Preto
present significant potential for socioeconomic development, but require integrated policies,
incentives for association, and greater institutional recognition to consolidate their contribution to
local and regional sustainable development.