World Crafts Forum Kicks Off at National Crafts Museum

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

The opening day of the World Crafts Forum 2024 was a resounding success, setting the stage for three days of insightful discussions, vibrant cultural performances, and powerful networking within the global crafts community. It was the 60th anniversary of the WCC AISBL, and the event took place at the National Crafts Museum and Handicraft Academy in New Delhi, kicking off the celebrations with a powerful message of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in the crafts sector.

The day’s proceedings began with the much-anticipated roundtable on the value of crafts and sustainability, where panelists and participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the growing importance of sustainability in the crafts sector. The discussions explored how crafts contribute to sustainable economic development and cultural preservation, while highlighting the intangible value that crafts bring to communities and societies.

The main event of the day was the opening ceremony, which officially marked the start of the World Crafts Forum 2024. The ceremony marked six decades of the leadership of this World Council in communicating and popularizing the global crafts movement. Chief Guest Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, eloquently advocated how the existence of crafts plays an integral role in the culture as well as the economy of the country.

"Crafts are not just products; they are living stories of human ingenuity, tradition and identity. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World Crafts Council, let us honour the artisans who connect the past and the future with their unmatched skill and passion. India, with its rich heritage of craftsmanship, stands proudly as a beacon of creativity, sustainability and innovation, leading the world towards a brighter, more connected future." she said in her speech. Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India concluded, “The World Crafts Forum will prove to be a turning point in how crafts are viewed, creating new opportunities for artisans and building a resilient crafts ecosystem.” Mrs. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India commented, “This event reflects India’s commitment to preserve and promote its diverse crafts while fostering global collaboration.” Guests of honour also shared their views, including Mr. Saad Al-Kaddumi, Chairman, WCC AISBL, who said that global collaboration can restore the craft art for generations to come. Mr. Al-Kaddumi said, “The constant endeavour of the World Crafts Council is to re-energise the crafts movement worldwide and the celebration of 60 years of WCC in India together with the Development Commissioner Handicrafts sets the stage for a giant leap forward for WCC’s flagship programmes around the world.” Mr. Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO South Asia was speaking on the importance of intangible cultural heritage in sustainable development.

“UNESCO strongly believes that preserving traditional crafts is not only important for cultural identity, but also for the future of sustainable economies. The World Crafts Forum is an important platform to explore these interconnections,” said Mr. Curtis.

The theme “Crafts Connects the World” is about leveraging crafts for a resurgent creative economy and shaping a sustainable future for the planet and its people. Dr. Darly Koshy, Strategic Advisor

Somesh Singh, Member of the Steering Group and Founder of Crafts Village, said, “With the success of previous International Crafts Weeks in Delhi, the country’s unprecedented progress during the Amrit Kaal, the stage is set to bring crafts to the forefront and mainstream it with other initiatives of the Government of India and place Indian crafts at the centre of the global crafts ecosystem catalysed by WCÇ AISBL.

After the official inauguration, the panel discussion on Crafts Fund: Craft Incubation and Entrepreneurship was set up, which discussed the urgent need for start-up support structures in the field of craft work. The panelists emphasised the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in ensuring that traditional crafts not only survive but thrive in the modern economy.

The day will conclude with a cultural evening showcasing rich traditional exhibits and the inauguration of the EPCH Gallery of the best of Indian crafts.

As a part of the day's activities, the Forum included special film screenings: Aadyam Handwoven films highlight the rich craft traditions of Banaras, Bhadoi, Pochampalli and others. They provide in-depth information about the craftsmanship, techniques and stories behind some of India's most famous weaves.