A knife maker from the Middle East, phulkari shawls from Patiala, resin artworks and home décor from Kuwait, crochet makers from Russia, carpet weavers from Persia, blue pottery from Rajasthan and many other global crafts are part of the global celebration at this year’s World Crafts Forum.
Organised by the World Crafts Council (WCC) AISBL, the Kuwait-based organisation that works to preserve and recognise traditional crafts, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and supported by the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, the landmark event celebrates 60 years of the global crafts movement in New Delhi from November 22-24, followed by Srinagar from November 25-27.
“This prestigious event not only marks a unique moment to elevate the country’s contributions to the arts and crafts but celebrates India’s rich craft and cultural legacy. By creating a global ecosystem for artists and craftsmen, WCC is showcasing not just global but many of India’s artisans and craft traditions, giving them a unique display with the global craft market. This showcase is about the most valued traditional crafts as well as inspiring the young generation,” Saad Al-Qaddumi, president of WCC-AISBL, told FE
Al-Qaddumi said the Srinagar event celebrates the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts and will launch its first ‘seal of authenticity’ for any Indian craft for Pashmina weaving in India, to make the city’s cultural and craft heritage a more valued and authentic experience.
“We want more people to value crafts of the world, and with Jammu and Kashmir’s pivotal role in the global crafts ecosystem, this seal will be the first step towards valued and authentic craftsmanship and to know if it is machine-made or handmade,” added Al-Qaddumi.
Srinagar has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council as this recognition will boost the handloom and handicraft sector, which will benefit tourism and infrastructure development.
The World Crafts Forum is being held at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Delhi, showcasing craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability while promising to inspire a resurgence of the crafts movement worldwide. With participation from over 20 countries, the forum brings together leading craftspeople, artisans, and industry leaders.
Present at the forum, Pabitra Margherita, minister of state for external affairs and textiles, launched the ‘Value of Crafts Report’ and a commemorative coffee table book celebrating 60 years of the WCC. He stressed on the vital role of sustainability in the textile industry and spoke about the vision for India to lead in textiles, inspiring global responsibility.
The textile industry’s potential is currently valued at $175 billion, including exports of $38–40 billion. By 2030, the sector is projected to grow to $300 billion, with $100 billion in exports.
As per Somesh Singh, steering group member and founder of Craft Village, Delhi-based social organisation that trains and promotes craftsmen and iconic craft heritage, “With the success of the previous International Craft weeks in Delhi, this forum will take crafts to the forefront along with other initiatives of the govt of India and to place Indian crafts on centrestage of global crafts ecosystem being catalysed by the WCÇ AISBL.”
The forum also includes a fashion show curated by Sunil Sethi, chairman, FDCI, and a textile showcase by Aadyam Handwoven, corporate social enterprise from the house of Aditya Birla.