SRINAGAR: The World Craft Council (WCC) is set to host a three-day ‘World Craft Forum’ at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar from November 25 to 27. This event follows its inaugural leg in New Delhi, marking the WCC’s 60th anniversary and celebrating India’s rich craft and cultural legacy.
The forum aims to showcase local artisanship and craft traditions, providing a platform for artisans to present their work to an international audience. The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, convened a meeting to finalise arrangements for the event, emphasising the importance of making it a resounding success. He noted that the forum would significantly boost the local crafts sector, promoting handicrafts globally.
Dulloo urged the Handicrafts Department to raise awareness among local artisans and craftsmen, advocating for robust promotional campaigns across both mainstream and social media to ensure extensive visibility for the event. He stressed the need for close coordination between the Divisional Administration and the Industries & Commerce Department to ensure that the forum is executed smoothly and effectively.
Recognising the potential of the event to enhance tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Dulloo also assessed accommodation needs for WCC members and international artisans visiting from various countries. He instructed the Hospitality and Protocol Department to make the necessary arrangements and called on the Motor Garages Department to facilitate transportation for attendees.
The World Crafts Council has recently designated Srinagar as a ‘World Craft City,’ recognising it as one of 66 cities worldwide dedicated to the promotion and preservation of craft traditions. This designation underscores the importance of the region’s artisanal heritage and its role in the global craft community.
The upcoming World Craft Forum is expected to attract approximately 50 international artists representing diverse craft backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural exchange and empowering artisans. The event aims to create sustainable development pathways for the craft sector while placing India at the forefront of shaping the future of crafts.
According to the WCC, the forum will focus on the restoration, preservation, and modernisation of the craft industry, crafting a roadmap for the next decade through collaborative policy-making and international cooperation.
