Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC). Three years after it was designated as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts.
The World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-AISBL) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income generating craft related activities, organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions and in general, to offer encouragement, help, and advice to the craftspersons of the world. The organization is now formally registered in Belgium as an international organization and AISBL is there the French shortcut for an international association without lucrative purpose. The WCC is organised into five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The organization is affiliated to UNESCO.
The fresh recognition for a city with more than 4,000 years of written history has put the spotlight on a place that has created masterpieces in different art sectors, especially shawls, carpets, papier mache, etc. The craft scene witnessed a major change in the 14th Century, with the arrival of Persian and Central Asian preachers and artisans.
The Council is the modern-day means and medium to put the focus on places that have been engaged in creativity and aesthetics for centuries. This will provide a boost to Kashmir’s traditional linkages with Central Asia and Iran. There are 14 Iranian cities listed as craft cities by the Council, and the inclusion of Srinagar will lead to knowledge exchange. The last century saw Kashmir’s traditional routes slowly closing down, the WCC has provided a new highway for Kashmir’s artisans to achieve a new trajectory.
In 2021, Srinagar also earned the title of UNESCO Creative City under Crafts and Folk Art. With the spotlight shining brightly on Kashmir’s craft scene again, after several decades of obscurity, the sector has been infused with new energy. “This is a much-needed recognition for unsung craftsmen who have created masterpieces for generations. It will help promote genuine crafts and craftsmen. Kashmir’s craft scene is witnessing a revival with Geographical Indication tags, crafts tours, and the policies of the handicrafts and handloom department,” Mahmood Ahmed Shah, Director, Handicrafts and Handloom Industries, Kashmir, said.
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