The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has turned its focus towards Srinagar as a potential candidate for the esteemed title of World Craft City (WCC). The WCCI, headquartered in Kuwait and dedicated to the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts globally, has dispatched a three-member team to Srinagar for a comprehensive assessment of its craft clusters.
Led by Saad Al-Qaddumi, the WCCI team is conducting a meticulous examination of Srinagar's craft clusters, scrutinizing the intricate processes involved and evaluating the current status of artisans. The team's four-day itinerary includes visits to various clusters where artisans are engaged in crafting local specialties such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.
A member of the WCCI, highlighted the significance of their assessment, stating, "We are evaluating how several crafts have kept themselves alive, initiatives in place for artisans, and the age-old practices involved. These are the parameters that make a city qualify for the WCC tag."
The coveted WCC status, bestowed annually upon cities worldwide, aims to promote, preserve, and advance handicrafts while fostering new market linkages. Srinagar, currently among the potential cities in India under consideration, awaits the final announcement regarding its inclusion, expected within the next two months.
The potential nomination of Srinagar as a World Craft City underscores the rich cultural heritage and artisanal prowess inherent in the region, positioning it on the global stage as a beacon of traditional craftsmanship and cultural preservation.