• Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council.

• The recognition would boost the handloom and handicraft sector, which will benefit tourism and infrastructure development.

• Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Mysore (Karnataka) were already added as craft cities from India. 

Benefits for Srinagar with this tag:

• This honour underscores the city's rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry have earned global acclaim.

• With increased global recognition, Srinagar’s crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans.

• The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods.

• Artisans will have access to advanced training programmes and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. 

• The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families.

• Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities.

World Crafts Council

• The World Crafts Council was founded in June 1964. 

• It was founded by Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. 

• Hailing from three corners of the world, these women shared a common passion for preserving and celebrating the rich diversity of craftsmanship across cultures.

• In November 2012, the organisation was formally constituted as an International Association without lucrative purpose. 

• The presidency of the organisation changes every four years. 

• The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in Kuwait.

• The World Crafts Council has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status. 

• Its mission is to empower artisans, celebrate cultural diversity, contribute to sustainable development by supporting the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship, and preserving languishing crafts from extinction.

• The main objective is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life. 

• In the year 2024, the World Crafts Council marks its 60th anniversary.

• It has reached through its national entity members millions of craftsmen, artisans, and craft communities across the five geographical regions it represents: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.

• The World Crafts Council is dedicated to fostering the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts. 

• The membership is open to any institution, organisation and individuals from countries of the five  regions of the WCC.

• The WCC-World Craft City Programme, is an initiative launched in 2014 in recognition of the pivotal role local authorities, craftspeople, and communities play in cultural, economic, and social development worldwide.

• The Programme establishes a dynamic network of craft cities across the globe, aligning with the principles of the creative economy. 

• This initiative responds to the increasing acknowledgment of the valuable contributions made by local entities to the multifaceted dimensions of development.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store