Srinagar, Apr 17: In what could be a major milestone to the Art and Craft sector in Kashmir, the World Craft Council (WCC) has sent its three member jury team to Srinagar to review its potential for inclusion in the prestigious list of World Craft Cities.
So far the feat has been granted to Jaipur city only for multiple crafts in India. The current visits of the jury is being facilitated by Handicrafts department. The officials said that the three member jury will access the Handicraft industry in Srinagar and make its decision accordingly. The jury members arrived in Srinagar on April 16 and will leave April 19. Today the team had a packed day. They visited Ali Shah Carpets where they had the firsthand experience of the rare carpets and other crafts.
Somesh Singh, one of the jury members said that they are here of behalf of World Craft Council (WCC) to review the craft in Srinagar on the basis of the application sent by the city to make it to the prestigious list.
“We are also meeting artisans and understanding the art and the overall process. After our visit, the organisation will decide whether this city will be approved for World Craft City program,” Somesh said.
The jury member said that they visited textile units, markets, copper art units and others. “We are looking at the amazing art pieces including paper mache, carpets, shawls and other handicrafts that Kashmir is known for. Our aim is to look at the techniques used and see if the authentic technique of art and craft making is still intact and how progress is being made,” he said
Abhishek Chauhan, another jury member said that he was really impressed by the enthusiasm of the officials, organisations and the people from the art and craft industry.
“We will properly review every aspect so that it could be decided whether the city will be granted the status or not. The people associated with the industry are trying their best so that the city gets the entry as world Crafts City and the art and craft makes its entry to the international stage through WCC,” Chauhan said.
Saleem Beigh, Convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) said that “it will be the biggest achievement for the whole Kashmir and will take the art and craft industry to a whole new level.” He said the application in this regard was formally sent by their organisation in 2019. “Things got delayed due to COVID and other issues,” he added.