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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).