First International Handicrafters Festival will welcome the delegation of the United Kingdom

The delegation from the United Kingdom will attend the First International Handicrafters Festival in Kokand, says correspondent of “Dunyo” IA.

Particularly, the President of the International Council for Crafts, headquartered in London, Her Excellency Rosie Greenlis will attend the Opening Ceremony of the Festival as a guest of honor.

Zeina Klink Hoppe, curator of the British Museum for the Middle East and Asia, including the British Museum of the Middle East as well as Central Asia, will attend the International Conference “Prospects for the Development of Handicraft and Applied Arts of” in Kokand.

Tara Catherine Pandia is expected to attend the festival as well. She honorably promotes Uzbek dance on the world stage, as well as carries out research work in London in the field of dance theory.

A creative group from Great Britain led by Eva Skala, director of the Global Heritage British Cultural Center will participate in the competitions during the festival.

Eva Skalla, director of the Global Heritage British Cultural Center

— Festival in Kokand is expected to have a great impact on the cultures of the world and become a calling card of Uzbekistan. Especially for those who are about to embrace the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan for the first time. Festival is a great opportunity for crafters around the world to meet each other and share experiences.

I have had the privilege of visiting Uzbekistan many times and so been able to experience the wealth and depth of culture in this remarkable country. It is thrilling to see how much the artists and musicians are being encouraged to study and develop their own unique contributions to the world’s heritage and Uzbekistan’s rich traditions.

I have had over the years, the honor of bringing artists from the UK and especially Wales to “Sharq Taronalari” as well as from Kenya, Jordan, Germany, Pakistan, Iran and others.

Earlier this year we were able to invite three leading Uzbek ceramicist to the International Ceramics Festival in Aberystwyth, Wales where they were a big hit and much appreciated. A three month long exhibition of five ceramics traditions of Uzbekistan has just ended in the Ceramics Gallery at the Art Centre. We are looking to growing and deepening our connections and extending cooperation between our countries.

Mick Morgan, ceramist:

— The International handicrafters festival is such a brilliant concept and I am very keen to meet craft persons from around the world, gathering us together in Kokand is very exciting.

The wealth of traditional crafts in Uzbekistan is legendary and I am hoping to be inspired by it, travelling to Samarkand and Bukhara after the festival to see the sights will further enhance the experience. The gathering of artisans from along the Silk Route along with the ancient and modern art, architecture and cultural practices is going to be the highlight of my year. Trips to Samarkand and Bukhara following the festival will enhance the cultural exchange in Uzbekistan.

Carol Gwizdak, jewelry artist:

— I am bоth excited and honored to be involved in this pioneering event to celebrate the heritage and skills of Uzbekistan artisans.

As a contemporary western jeweller, the opportunity to share ideas and skills with your own highly skilled craftsfolk will, I am sure, have a significant influence on future work and possibly open the door to further culture collaborations.

Anahita Alevi, miniaturist:

— Gathering artists and craftsmen from all around the world under one umbrella not only provides the participants with an international scene to exhibit their works, but also gives them the exceptional opportunity of meeting their colleagues coming from very diverse cultural backgrounds.

This will hopefully result in a vast cultural network, and can potentially be a fertile source of inspiration for the participants. I really hope that this festival will pave the way for creative collaborations with the aim of preserving and reviving traditional arts in the future.

“Dunyo” IA