Context

The World Crafts Council International (WCCI), has selected Srinagar, the picturesque city in Kashmir, for mapping its craft clusters. 

Srinagar Seeks World Craft City Nomination

• Objective: To nominate Srinagar as a World Craft City (WCC) from India this year.
• They checked out clusters where artisans were busy crafting local items.
  • These items included Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.
• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K) is teaming up with the J&K Handicrafts department.
  • They’re working together to map out the craft industry before the official nomination process.
• The city’s official inclusion announcement is expected within the next couple of months.

About World Crafts Council International (WCCI)

• It is  a  non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and preserving traditional crafts globally.
  • It is based in Kuwait. 
• The WCC was founded in 1964. 
• Objective: The WCCI aims to promote, preserve, and evolve handicrafts globally.

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The World Craft City (WCC)

• Establishment Date: 2014
• Organising Institution: The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) 
• Country of Establishment: Kuwait
• Objective: It aims to recognize the efforts of local governments, artisans, and communities in enhancing culture, economy, and society.
  • WCC wants to create a worldwide network of craft cities.
  • It promotes the ideas of the creative economy and protects traditional crafts.
• Legal Status: WCC is registered in Belgium as an international association without lucrative purposes (AISBL).
  • This registration status signifies its non-profit nature and international scope of operations.
  • It is Affiliated to the UNESCO under Consultative Status
• World Crafts Council (WCC) Regions
  • WCC is divided into five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
    • These regions help organize and manage WCC activities worldwide.
• Criteria to grant cities WCC Status:
  • Cities are granted the prestigious WCC status based on their commitment to craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices.
    • Parameters: It includes 
      • How well crafts have been preserved 
      • Initiatives for artisans
      • Adherence to age-old practices.

Kashmir Craft

• Kashmir’s rich tradition of handicrafts is significantly influenced by Central Asian countries. 
  • The handicrafts, including shawls and carpets, reflect centuries-old practices.
• Craftsman and Artisan Base: 
  • Srinagar is home to 20,822 registered craftsmen engaged in various crafts such as papier mâché, walnut wood carving, and hand-knotted carpets.
    • These craftsmen contribute approximately 1.76% to the total workforce of the area.
• Contribution to J&K’s Economy
  • Handicrafts contribute about 2.64% to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy by 2016-17.

Benefits of selecting Srinagar for mapping its craft clusters

• Recognition of centuries-old practices of handicrafts:  Srinagar’s centuries-old practices of handicrafts would be highlighted on the global stage.
  • The world would come to know about the flawless craft work done by Srinagar’s artisans.
    • Local artisans from Kashmir would get an opportunity to interact with the best of artisans from across the world.
• Close linkage with other countries: Srinagar being included in the WCC would help in building linkages with those countries that influenced the crafts of Kashmir many centuries ago.
  • It would be helpful in strengthening relations between India and other countries.