In a move that highlights the importance of traditional crafts in supporting and developing the creative economy, a panel discussion titled ‘Traditional crafts: identity, economy, sustainability’, held as part of the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum, brought together leading national institutions and centres dedicated to crafts, heritage, and culture to unify visions on the future of traditional crafts as an economic and cultural force.
The conversation, organised by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, included Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Creatives Development Sector at the Ministry of Culture; Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi. The panel discussion provided an opportunity to discuss strategies for social and economic empowerment of artisans and the role of innovation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the traditional crafts sector and increasing its visibility in local and international markets.
Asma Al Hammadi underlined that traditional crafts add distinctive value and appeal to contemporary items, even when added softly, because of their deep cultural meaning. She stated that the Ministry of Economy is aggressively protecting the intellectual property of local heritage items as a critical step towards increasing their economic presence both locally and globally, through programs such as the Geographical Indications programme.
Al Hammadi also said that the Ministry has established a national registration for craftsmen to help them get access to worldwide markets and participate into the creative economy. Transitioning from traditional heritage to a sustainable economic contributor.
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