SRINAGAR: The Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir is organizing a photography competition to highlight the complexity of the Decorative Arts practiced in Srinagar and the entries for it shall be accepted from 22nd September to 30th September 2022 at the Craft Museum/School of Designs.
The event focuses on artifacts produced from the 18th century to the present times with a narrative informed by archival documents, family histories, designs, and production techniques. The competition carries an exciting range of prizes including Winners, Runners Up and Second Runners Up. Additionally, every participant will receive a participation certificate.
The competition investigates how transmission of the cultural exchange has steered the evolution of the phenomenon “Kashmir Art’. The main aim of the competition is to bring focus on artisans and the craft ecosystem of Srinagar city, said the Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir while elucidating the purpose of the event.
He further added that the event in addition to the design and production of artifacts focuses on exploring the life of the artisans whose craftsmanship resulted in this artistic production and exchange across diverse themes, regions, and continents.
The Department also thanked the private parties sponsoring the event for their cooperation to make the event a success.
The event is part of the activities undertaken after the city of Srinagar was enlisted in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2021. This enlistment essentially recognizes and celebrates the creative genius of the crafts persons, the deftness of their skills, and their engagement with these creative pursuits against heavy odds, all through the checkered history.
There is a felt need to bring the focus of the society at large on the exquisite and unique treasures of art that will celebrate their contribution to building an image and identity in Kashmir through history.
