Ca’ Macana
Founded in 1984 by four artists in response to the Venetian government’s revival of the festival of Carnevale in the city, Ca’ Macana is the best and oldest maker of traditional venetian masks in the world. The masks were once an integral part of Venice, but were banned in the 1700’s. Today the masks are made all over the city, but nowhere with as much care as at Ca’ Macana.
Handmade pieces of Venetian History.
The masks of Venice are an integral part of the city’s history. They were worn by all citizens for half of the year, required for politicians during votes, and helped create the air of intrigue the city was famous for. Normally made of papier-mâché or leather, authentic venetian masks are always hand-crafted by artisans in the city.
The Problem
Venice is the most popular tourist destination in the world. As the city’s popularity has grown, so has the number of cheap souvenir shops. They are almost an assault on the senses, and it’s become much more difficult to find genuine Venetian-made goods. Ca’ Macana needs a brand that will help it stand out as the genuine article, and guide tourists away from cheap knock-offs.
Navigating a Maze
In addition to the problem of counterfeits, Ca’ Macana is located in a remote part of the city. Venice has very few straight roads, and stepping away from the main path to San Marco can be risky for tourists without a map and a good sense of direction. To help guide would-be customers to the workshop, I’ve created stickers and posters to serve as guides. Most signs and pipes in the city are already plastered with random stickers, so this won’t be a problem or cause any damage to the city.
