In News:

The World Craft City (WCC) Programme is a global initiative aimed at recognising and strengthening cities with a rich living craft heritage, while integrating traditional skills into the modern creative economy. Recently, Srinagar was conferred the World Craft City tag, marking a significant milestone for Kashmir’s artisanal legacy and its global cultural linkages.

What is the World Craft City Programme?

• Launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council (WCC-International).
• Recognises cities where crafts play a pivotal role in cultural identity, livelihoods, and local development.
• Establishes a global network of craft cities, aligned with the principles of the creative economy.
• Emphasises the role of local authorities, artisans, and communities in sustaining traditional crafts.

Indian Cities under the World Craft City Programme

India has several cities recognised under the WCC Programme:

• Jaipur – traditional jewellery, blue pottery, block printing
• Mamallapuram – stone carving and sculpture
• Mysore – silk, wood carving, painting
• Srinagar – diverse and historic handicrafts

The inclusion of Srinagar highlights the global recognition of Kashmir’s craft ecosystem and is expected to revive its traditional links with Central Asia and Iran.

Major Crafts of Srinagar (Kashmir)

• Papier-mâché: Objects made from mashed paper pulp, hand-painted and finished with lacquer or varnish.
• Pashmina: Fine hand-spun and hand-woven shawls originating from Kashmir’s unique geography.
• Sozni embroidery: Delicate needlework (from Persian soz meaning needle); artisans are known as sozankar.
• Kani shawls (associated with pashmina tradition): Intricate weaving using wooden spools.

These crafts are not only cultural symbols but also key sources of artisan livelihoods.

About the World Crafts Council

• Founded in 1964 by Aileen O. Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
• A non-governmental, non-profit organisation.
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
  • Promote fellowship among craftspeople.
  • Facilitate cultural exchange through conferences, workshops, exhibitions, research, and international collaboration.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

• The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was launched in 2004.
• Promotes cooperation among cities that use creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.
• Includes over 350 cities worldwide across creative fields such as crafts, design, music, and literature.
• While UCCN is a UNESCO initiative, the WCC Programme is led by the World Crafts Council (NGO).

Why is it in the News?

The World Crafts Council International (WCCI), a Kuwait-based organization working on the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across the globe, has picked Srinagar for mapping its craft clusters before its final nomination as the World Craft City (WCC) from India this year. 

About World Crafts Council:

• World Crafts Council AISBL is an international non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts.
• It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York on June 12, 1964.
• Since its inception, the World Crafts Council AISBL has been affiliated with  UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.
• Its mission is to empower artisans, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to sustainable development by supporting the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship and preserving languishing crafts from extinction.
• Headquarters: The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in Kuwait.

Objectives:

• The main objective of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
• The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.
• It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research studies, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
• The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the craftspeople's work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and traditions of its members.
• In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.?

India has only 3 cities designated as World Craft City:

• Mysuru (Kinnal paintings, Sandalwood carvings, Rosewood Inlay, etc.)
• Mamallapuram (Stone Carving continuing since the Pallava dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE)
• Jaipur (Kundan Jadai (Gem setting), Meenakari Jewellery, Lac-based craft, Gotta Patti Work, etc.)

About the World Craft City Programme:

• The World Craft City Programme, initiated in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), recognizes the significance of local authorities, artisans, and communities in global cultural, economic, and social advancement.
• By establishing a vibrant network of craft cities worldwide, it embraces the ideals of the creative economy and acknowledges the valuable contributions of local entities to comprehensive development.
• Notably, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), and Mysore have already been designated as craft cities under this initiative in India.