Context: Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC) international, will bring attention to Srinagar’s crafts and showcase its ancient techniques to the world.
The achievement follows Srinagar’s recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City for Crafts in 2021.
About World Craft City:
- Launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), to acknowledge the significant contributions of local authorities, craftspeople, and communities to cultural, economic, and social development globally.
- Previously, Indian cities such as Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore have been honoured as World Craft Cities.
World Craft Council (WCC) international:
- A Kuwait-based, non-government organisation working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally.
- It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in 1964.
- The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftsperson by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.
- It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research study, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
- The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the crafts people’s work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and tradition of its members.
- In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.
- It has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.