EN
The article based on the author 's field experiences analyses changes within the sector of contemporary folk handicrafts in Mexico, Ecuador and in Poland. After a short discussion on terms used in descriptions of the phenomena analysed (folk crafts, handicrafts, folk art, tourist art) - the text deals with general tendencies observed in present-day Latin American crafts production. Insertion of crafts in local economies and cultures and the transformation of some products in tourist merchandise or in decorative or utilitarian object bought by national urban and international clients are the main elements of the present-day craft market in Latin America. The author tries to show as well main directions in contemporary studies on Latin American crafts. Cases of Ecuadorian and Mexican communities that successfully transformed handicrafts in the main or important source of revenue are presented in the second part of the text, dealing with textiles from Otavalo and wood carving from San Antonio de Ibarra (Ecuador), pottery from Metepec and Ocumicho, and amate bark paper paintings (Mexico) The last part brings a description of changes of the craft market in Poland after the collapse of state-controlled system of their promotion, production and distribution. The discussion of possibilities of applying same of Latin American local experiences and the recovery of craft production in Poland ends the text.