World Crafts Forum 2024 all set to celebrate global artisanship in Srinagar this week: A Ziraat Times curtain raiser

25 November 2024

ZIRAAT TIMES TEAM REPORT

Srinagar city in Kashmir is all set to host the World Crafts Forum 2024 from November 25 to November 28, an event dedicated to showcasing, preserving and innovating global artisanal crafts.

Organized by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, this four-day event promises to put the spotlight on artisans from across the world, offering them a platform to engage, innovate and collaborate.

Artisans and business leaders believe that the World Crafts Forum 2024 comes at a crucial time for the global craft industry, which faces challenges such as declining artisan incomes, market disruptions, and counterfeit goods. For Kashmir, this event is particularly significant as it highlights the region’s artisanal prowess and provides a global stage to its skilled craftsmen.

“Srinagar—a UNESCO-designated “Creative City of Craft and Folk Art”—will witness this amazing confluence of craft enthusiasts, policymakers, designers, and industry leaders and we expect to generate more ideas for promoting J&K’s arts and crafts”, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, director of Handicrafts and Handloom Department told Ziraat Times.

The event objectives include addressing challenges related to fair pricing, skill development, and market access, promoting authenticity, global collaboration and innovation and sustainability.

The venue for the forum is the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), overlooking the serene Dal Lake. Here is the detailed program schedule of the event:

Day 1, November 25, 2024, will be dedicated to “A Taste of Kashmiri Craft”. The opening day focuses on introducing delegates to the vibrant craft traditions of Kashmir:

Craft Safari (3:00 PM): Delegates will embark on guided tours to key craft hubs in Srinagar, such as Zaina Kadal, to witness traditional craftsmanship in action. Here, they will observe artisans creating exquisite Pashmina shawls, walnut wood carvings, and papier-mâché masterpieces.

Visit to J&K Arts Emporium (5:00 PM): This exhibition showcases a curated collection of Kashmiri crafts. Attendees will get an opportunity to interact with master artisans and learn about their creative processes.

Interaction with Export Houses and Artisans (6:00 PM): Key local stakeholders, including artisans and representatives from export houses, will engage in discussions on market challenges and opportunities.

Dinner at Taj Vivanta (8:00 PM): Delegates will enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the Dal Lake, offering a perfect setting for informal networking.

Day 2: November 26, 2024 – Official Opening and Key Initiatives The second day marks the official inauguration of the World Crafts Forum.

The day’s events will include high-profile addresses and discussions:

-Registration and Welcome (10:30 AM): Delegates will complete their registrations and set up their exhibits and displays.

Opening Ceremony (12:30 PM): Welcome Address: Delivered by Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary, J&K, and Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi, President, WCC AISBL.

Keynote Speeches: Insights from Dr. Kevin Murray (Strategic Advisor, WCC), Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi (President, WCC AISBL), and Dr. Darlie Koshy (Author and Craft Strategy Expert) on the evolving role of crafts in global economies.
Seal of Authenticity Launch (1:00 PM): An initiative to promote certified, genuine crafts, ensuring fair trade practices and protecting artisans from counterfeit markets.
Award Ceremony (1:15 PM): Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, will present state-level awards to outstanding artisans, recognizing their dedication to preserving traditional crafts.
Mahmood Shah, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, will deliver the vote of thanks.
Panel Discussion: Craft Conclave: World Craft City-A Dialogue on Sourcing Network (3:00 PM):

Panelists/Speakers:
Mr. Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary J&K
Ms Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Mr. Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi, President WCC AISBL
Dr Kevin Murray, Vice President, WCC AISBL
Dr. Darlie Koshy, Strategic Advisor, WCC AISBL and Former Director, NID, Ahmedabad
Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder, FEF
Mr. Aziz Murtazaev, President, WCC-APR (Uzbekistan)

Cultural Exploration and Dinner (6:30 PM): Delegates will visit the Srinagar Museum followed by dinner hosted at NIFT Srinagar, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Day 3: November 27, 2024 – Crafting a Future of Innovation and Sustainability

The third day will delve into topics of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices in the craft industry:

Discussion: The Art of Progress: Entrepreneurship and Kashmiri Handicrafts
Panelists/Speakers:
Mr. Manish Saksena, Lead, Aadyam Handwoven
Ms Kamini (Kings College London)
Mr Ishfaq Mir (Founder Kani Home)
Mr Muheet Mehraj (Founder Kashmir Box)
Mr Mujtaba Qadri (Founder Me & K)
Mr Mehboob Iqbal (Founder Artisane)

Exhibition of Antique Pashmina Shawls (12:30 PM): Curated by Mujtaba Shaw, this exhibition will celebrate the heritage of Pashmina weaving.

Session-1:Creative Manufacturing and Global Supply Chain
Panelists/Speakers:
BAA Representatives (TBC)
Mr. Arshad Mir, Member CoA EPCH
Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Addl Executive Director of EPCH
Mr. Rajesh Jain, Member CoA EPCH
Mr. Saleem Baig, Head, Intach Chapter
Prof. Somesh Singh, Co-Founder, Craft Village

Session 2: “Brand Srinagar: Craft + Tourism”
Panelists/Speakers:

Mr. Indrasen Vencatachellum, Advisor, WCC AISBL (France)
Ms. Nadia Meer, Vice President, WCC Africa (South Africa)
Ms. Isha Tyagi, DCCI (Ireland)
Mr. Nik Faiz Nik M Amin (Malaysia)
Prof. Aftab Gharda, President, WCC-Europe (United Kingdom)
Time Event

Valedictory Ceremony (6:00 PM): Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister will deliver the valedictory speech.

Day 4: November 28, 2024 – Local sight seeing and departure.

For artisans from Kashmir and beyond, the forum is an opportunity to connect with policymakers, global leaders, and craft enthusiasts. It provides a platform for promoting traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation, an event organiser said to Ziraat Times.