Workshop on preparation of dossier for inclusion of Srinagar city in UNESCO creative cities network

Srinagar: A day long stakeholder’s workshop on preparation of Dossier for inclusion of Srinagar city in UNESCO creative cities network was held today at the Institute of Hotel Management, Rajbagh, Srinagar. Workshop was being conducted as part of the Restoration and Strengthening of Livelihoods component of the JTFRP (Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project) funded by the World Bank.
During the workshop most of the stakeholders which included Administrators, Artisans, Academicians, representatives of business houses associated with different crafts , Policy makers, representatives of design schools and civil society associated with the promotion and restoration of arts and crafts shared their thoughts on the topic.
Iftikhar Ahmad Kakroo, Director Technical, JTFRP while briefing the participants about the purpose of the workshop said “The aim of the workshop is to provide a platform for all the stakeholders involved with the various aspects of Kashmir Handicrafts and obtain their valuable inputs for the preparation of the said Dossier”.
Saleem Beg Convener, Intach , J&K Chapter said that there is need for more pilot projects in the field and stressed on the need for inclusion of artisans in the policy formulation .
Professor N.A Nadeem from Central University of Kashmir emphasized on the need for developing of more innovative craft designs and quick patent registration of new designs.
Zubair Ahmad, Director Craft Development Institute, Srinagar said that CDI is working on quality certification of various local crafts, G.I (Geographical Indication) Labels of various local crafts and also working on the development of more innovative designs and quality control of the products.
Mushtaq Ahmad, Assistant Director, Handicrafts said “In present times there is urgent need to blend the various crafts to make Kashmir crafts innovative to buyers”.
Sharing their thoughts many prominent artisans from various crafts like Pashmina weaving, Papier machie, wood carving, namdhaas, Khatamband etc said that finance and marketing support from the govt is must for the survival and promotion of Kashmir handicrafts. Various designers and entrepreneurs also shared their thoughts on the topic.
The workshop was organized by INTACH, J&K Chapter, in collaboration with Dronah and sponsored by Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project funded by World Bank and was also attended by officers of Handicrafts Dept, Craft Development Institute, JKERA, representatives of design schools and large no. of artisans.