Dr.Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi

2014 Report on WCC-Asia Pacific Region, by WCC-APR President Dr.Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi

I. March 3,2014:

1. Upon being invited with IPP-WCC President, by the Public Authority for Crafts Industries (PACI), I attended the celebration of “H.M.Sultan Qaboos Award of Excellence”- 2014, in Muscat, Oman.

Minister of Oman giving the award WCC-APR President & WCC-IPP with other delegates

II. March 15-16,2014:

I participated in the Panel discussion of “1st East West & Africa Women Initiatives Forum”, topic – “Women as Elements of change”, held in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, upon an invitation from the Organizers “Princess Taghrid Institute”, in my capacity as WCC-APR President.

III. April 10,2014:

1. Attended WCC 2nd Board Meeting (2/2014) held on April 10,2014, in Atlanta at Georgia Institute of Technology, GA, U.S.A. The meeting was attended by: WCC-AISBL President-Mr.Wang Shan, WCC Secretary General-Ms.Chen Jing, President of WCC-Asia Pacific Region-Dr.Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, President of WCC-Europe-Rosy Greenlees, President of WCC-North America-Cindy Bowden, Representative of the President of WCC-Africa-Mr.Bila Clement Ouedraogo, and Immediate Past President of WCC-Ms.Usha Krishna.

2. The main topic on the Agenda was the WCC-Golden Jubilee Celebration (program, competitions, exhibitions, forum, awards etc.) to be held in Dongyang, China, 18-22 October,2014.

WCC Board Meeting, WCC-APR President with WCC-AISBL April 10, 2014, Atlanta-U.S.A. President & WCC-AISBL Secretary General, Atlanta-U.S.A.

IV. April 11-13,2014:

Board Members (WCC-AISBL President & Regional Presidents) and American hosts visited the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, whereby many artisans exhibited a large variety of crafts and art works. One artisan/ craftsperson, was awarded for recycling metal sheets collected from barn roofs in the form of clothes and other items.

A general view from the Artist- Mr. Chris Beck, in Group Photo with WCC-AISBL Board Dogwood Festival Members & hosts visiting Dogwood

Sample Work (Recycled Metal) from barn roofs by Mr.Chris Beck

V. May 30,2014:

• The Renovated and Updated WCC-APR Website was officially launched in the month of May,2014. • The address of our website is: www.wccapr.org • If Members have any news or updates to share, they are welcome to send it to the APR Secretariat’s e-mail address: [email protected], to be uploaded to the Website.

Evaluation of Jogjakarta 2014/09/11

2014 International Symposium 2014/04/21

50th Golden Jubilee Celebration 2014/04/21 Putrajaya International Islamic 2014/09/11

VI. June 1-3,2014

1. WCC-Asia Pacific Region 3rd Board Meeting was held in Muscat-Sultanate of Oman, upon an invitation from the Vice President of WCC-APR, West Asia Sub-region, Her Excellency the Chairperson of the Public Authority for Crafts Industries (PACI), Shaikha Aishah al-Siyabiyah.

Official Opening Ceremony attended by the Head of the Shora Council prior to the 3rd Board Meeting (1-3 June 2014), Muscat-Oman

2. An official Opening Ceremony attended by high officials, namely the Head of the Shora Council, preceded the Board Meeting, in which inaugural speeches were given by H.E. the Chairperson of PACI, Shaikha Aishah al-Siyabiyah, and the President of WCC-APR, Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi. The speeches were followed by a short presentation on WCC-APR prepared by PACI.

H.E. Chairperson of PACI & VP of West Asia WCC-APR President delivering her Speech delivering her Opening Speech. during the Opening Ceremony

3. The first session of the APR Board Meeting followed the Opening Ceremony, and was attended by a majority of its Executive Board Members (13 members) who continued the sessions in the afternoon, and on June 2nd, where important issues were discussed namely: • amendment of the Bye Laws or “Rules & Regulations” of WCC-Asia Pacific Region • participation in the various activities of the WCC 50th Golden Jubilee Celebrations • WCC-APR participation in Putrajaya International Islamic Arts & Culture Festival 2014 (PIIACUF) • Announcing the verbal approval of the Minister of Information – H.E.Shaikh Salman Sabah al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah for APR to hold the second Jurying session of the WCC-Award of Excellence for 2016 in Kuwait. • Announcement of the launch of the 3rd flagship project of WCC-APR, “The Craft Encyclopedia of Asia-Pacific Region”. • Donation of US $ 3000 to WCC-APR account from the State Award I received from the Government of Kuwait for translating an English book “on the excavations in a Hellenistic Archeological site in Failaka Island- Kuwait” into Arabic.

Group Photo of the WCC-APR Executive WCC-APR Executive Board Members at the Board at the Opening Ceremony first session of the 3rd APR Board Meeting

State Award Ceremony

4. There was a full program arranged for the Executive Board Members by the host. The program included:

a. June 1,2014 - Fashion Show of traditional Omani Costumes, followed by dinner.

Fashion Show of Omani Traditional & Modern Costumes for Women

b. June 2,2014 - The delegates were invited by H.E. the Chairperson of PACI, Shaikha Ayisha al-Siyabiya for lunch at Angham traditional restaurant, followed by a visit to the Omani Handicrafts House at the Oman Opera building.

H.E.Shaikha with APR President in WCC-IPP Ms.Usha Krishna, APR-IPP Ms.Surapee the Omani Handicrafts House Rojanavongse in the Omani Handicrafts House

c. Visits to Crafts Centers established by PACI, in Smail and Nizwa towns as well as to Historic Citadel of Nazwa Fort

Delegates visiting Weaving Center Delegates visiting the historic Citadel in Smail of Nazwa Fort

d. Visited workshop of Indigo Dye specialist in Bahla, with Ms.Ruby Ghuznavi - Chairperson of APR Natural Dye Project, & Ms.Usha Krishna-WCC-IPP.

APR Advisor-Ms.Sayyada Ruby Ghuznavi, WCC-IPP- Ms.Usha Krishna, WCC-APR President-Dr.Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi visiting workshop of Indigo Dye Specialist in Bahla-Oman.

VII. August 18-22,2014

As jury member I participated in the first jurying session of WCC-Award of Excellence 2014, which was hosted in Jakarta by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with the National Crafts Council of Indonesia (DEKRANAS).

The participating sub-regions were: South Asia, South East Asia, West Asia and South Pacific, where 114 products of handicrafts were selected from the four (4) participating Asia Pacific sub-regions, as follows:

 West Asia 7, South Pacific 1, South Asia 44, South East Asia 62  Unfortunately, Central Asia could not participate due to unavoidable circumstances.  The WCC-AoE for East Asia jurying session was held in Beijing for (China, Korea and Mongolia)

Jurying members

Collection of products

Jury Committee: Mr.Richard Engelhart, Jurying committee with DEKRANAS & Ms.Manjari Nirula, Dr.Ghada Hijjawi- Members from Ministry of Trade Qaddumi, Ms.Surapee Rojanavongse, Ms.Pinky Sudarman, Ms.Judith Chung, & Mr.Edric Ong

Team of Award of Excellence

A number of awarded Indonesia stearing team of products WCC Award of Excellence 2014 with the judges

Group photo at the closing ceremony

VIII. August 23-25,2014 • Being a member of the WCC-APR Evaluation team I visited “Jogjakarta (Yogyakarta) City”, Indonesia, which was nominated for 2015 World Crafts City for Batik. • On August 23, 2014 a Press Conference was organized to Her Royal Highness Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, and the WCC-APR evaluation team.

Press Conference in Jogjakarta: Opening Session by H.R.H. H.R.H with APR President, APR- in Jogjakarta IPP, and APR S.V.P

Evaluation visit to Jogjakarta was from 23-25, 2014

Evaluation team members from WCC- APR were: WCC-APR President : Dr.Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi WCC-APR (IPP) : Ms.Surapee Rojanavongse WCC-APR, SVP & VP South East Asia : Mr.Edric Ong WCC-APR, VP (South Asia sub-region): Ms.Manjari Nirula

1. A visit to the Taman Sari part of the heritage building of the Palace that played an important role in disseminating Batik technique from the limited and exclusive boundaries of the Court among the public where the court artisans taught and trained the common people.

2. A visit was organized to Batik Jawa, one of Batik home-based industry dedicated to correct technique and use pure natural materials for coloring (green industry).

3. A private tour with H.R.H Prince Prabukusumo, brother of the Sultan, was organized to the Royal Batik Museum collection at the Kraton (Palace) Yogyakarta.

4. Visit to Kabupaten Bantul, one of the important Batik clusters in the province of Yogyakarta, that has dominant Batik community producers.

5. On Aug 24th,2014, the Evaluation Committee had the privilege to have an audience with His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Sultan of Yogyakarta Indonesia and Governor of Yogyakarta Special Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta).

An audience with His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Group photo with His Majesty Sultan of Yogyakarta and Governor of Yogyakarta Special Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta), WCC-APR President,

APR-SVP & APR-IPP, exchanging gifts

6. On Aug 25th,2014, Visit to Winotosastro workshop as an example of family profile, who has been working in the Batik industry for ages.

7. Visit to Higher Education Institution for Research, which graduates Batik & Textile experts, a national government institution built in Jogjakarta for research of improving Batik industry.

Jury meeting with staff of the Photo with student at work institution

IX. August 27,2014 Immediately after finalizing both missions in Indonesia (jurying WCC-AoE, and evaluation of Jogjakarta city), I proceeded to Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia, where:

a. Raja Fuziah - Advisor of WCC-APR, arranged for me at her residence a meeting with the Malaysian demonstrators, exhibitors & volunteers, who were preparing, under the supervision of Raja Fuziah, for WCC-APR participation in a crafts exhibition commemorating the WCC 50th Anniversary in Putrajaya International Islamic Arts and Cultural Festival (PIIACUF) to be held from Oct 30 to Nov 2, 2014 in Putrajaya.

b. Raja Fuziah and myself met next day with the coordinating team of Putrajaya Festival headed by Tenguku Aina Tenguku Ismail Shah, to discuss the plan of action for WCC-APR participation in PIIACUF.

X. Oct 14-16,2014

Attended the “International Forum on Natural Dyes & WEFT Taiwan 2014” from Oct 14-16, in Taipei Taiwan, organized by APR Associate Member, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, where I presented a keynote speech about APR Natural Dye Project, and attended the two days forum. WCC-APR/S.V.P participated in organizing a Weft Exhibition and in the Fashion Show.

WCC-APR President delivering Group photo of international her speech delegates participating in Forum

Attending fashion show opened by the With Director Mr.Hsu Keng-Hsiu of NTRCDI & Taiwan Minister of Culture, Dr.Lung Yingtai a group of fashion designers & Mr.Indrasen Venatachellum-UNESCO C&D consultant, among them was APR SVP & VP of S.E.A, Mr.Edric Ong

Dinner with a group of international

delegates participating in the Forum

XI. Oct 17-25,2014

Attended all activities in the WCC 50th Anniversary in Dongyang-China:

1. Oct 17, morning, attended the WCC Board Meeting at Conference Room in Wood Carving Museum Building.

2. Oct 17, noon, held the 4th Board Meeting for the Executive Board, invited WCC-President Mr.Wang Shan, to welcome the Board at Conference Room in Wood Carving Museum Building.

3. Oct 17, afternoon held APR 35th General Regional Assembly at Conference room in Wood Carving Museum Building.

WCC-APR President and Vice-Presidents reading reports, and conducting WCC-APR 35th GRA

Group Photo of Board Members and WCC-APR Members

4. Oct 18, Morning attended the opening ceremony of WCC Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

5. Oct 18, Touring the booth of the International Exhibition

6. Oct 18 Evening, Handing over Awards of Outstanding Contributions for Crafts 2014 at Jubilee celebration night.

Ms.Beatrice Kaldun-Director of UNESCO, Raja Fuziah-WCC-APR Advisor, receiving

Dhaka office, receiving the award the award

Mr.Salman Boland receiving the award on Mr.Ahmad Saleh Al Farsi, receiving the behalf of the Minister of Information-H.E award on behalf of H.E.Sheikha Ayisha Shaikh Salman Sabah al-Salem Al-Humoud Bint Khalfan Al-Siyabiyya, the Chairperson

Al-Sabah & that of Eng.Ali al-Yooha the of PACI-Oman and VP of West Asia Secretary General of NCCAL-Kuwait

7. Oct 19 morning, participated in the Craft Forum on the topic “Craft Development through Governmental support”, Dongyang, China.

8. Oct 19 afternoon, Selection for Woodcarving and Aileen Webb Award in Dongyang.

9. Oct 20, delivering speech at the opening of Red Sandalwood Museum in Dongyang

10. Oct 21 morning, Attended the Closing Ceremony

Awardees of Woodcarving competition Young Master’s achievement award

Banner signed by all the WCC Presidents

1. Oct 24, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of Nantong International Craft Biennale at the 1895 Nantong Cultural Creative Industry Park

Chineese dignitaries, WCC Regional Presidents & WCC-APR President delivering delegates attending the Opening Ceremony at speech the 1895 Nantong Cultural Creative Industry Park

Chineese dignitaries with President of CACA and WCC Regional Presidents

WCC President & Secretary General with WCony at the 1895 Nantong Cultural Creative Industry Park

2. Oct 17, 19, 22 and 24 Media interviews

3. Oct 25, Attended the Nantong Weft Art Forum

WEFT Exhibition Forum

Donation of Craft Works from Jordan, Kuwait & Lebanon Fashion Show to 1895 Nantong Cultural Creative Industry Park

4. Oct 26, Attending the opening of Suzhou Silk Embroidery 7th Festival.

5. Oct 27, Jurying National Chinese Crafts Award at Yangzhou

XII. Oct 30-Nov 2,2014

From Yangzhou I went to Kuala Lumpur Oct 29,2014, to attend the “The Putrajaya International Islamic Arts & Cultural Festival, PIIACUF 2014”, wherein WCC-APR President delivered a paper at the Forum, and WCC-APR presented an Exhibition “Handmade” the PIIACUF 2014 Collection. It was organized by Raja Fuziah –Advisor of WCC-APR Board with Malaysian volunteers, as part of WCC celebration of the 50th Anniversary.

Group Photo of International Speakers with Mr. Q & A Session followed after the paper Y.A.Bhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Former Prime delivered by WCC-APR President Minister of Malaysia in PIIACUF 2014

WCC -APR Advisor - Raja Fuziah with Palestinian Minister of Islamic Law the Present Prime Minister of (Shari’ah) visiting APR Booth at PIIACUF Malaysia visiting APR Booth

Asia Pacific Region Exhibition in Group photo of Malaysian volunteers PIIACUF 2014 to set the WCC-APR Crafts Exhibition

New Upcoming Projects of 2014 in APR West Asia Sub-region:

• “Academy for Crafts & Sciences” – Sultanate of Oman The Chairperson of the Public Authority for Crafts Industries (PACI), Her Excellency Shaikha Aisha al-Siyabiyah has confirmed that this huge project is being sponsored and supported by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id. The Authority is seeking advice and consultations from experts, whether academics, professionals, planners etc. APR President-Dr.Ghada recommended Dr.Kevin, Vice President of South Pacific, as one of the expertise in this area. H.E. has welcomed the idea. Dr.Kevin’s contribution and guidance in the early phases of this important project, to be launched by PACI, a member of WCC-APR, will be an asset for WCC role in the crafts field as the Academy is concentrating on the scientific approach along with the artistic and technical knowledge. WCC-APR is proud and more than happy to offer assistance in such projects, and to offer experts, guidance, advice, training courses and other needs.

• Kuwait Traditional Handicrafts Centre (K.T.H.C): My proposal to Minister of Information-H.E. Shaikh Salman Sabah al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah of establishing a Handicraft Centre in Kuwait has been approved. The committee for the project has been already formed. After several preparatory meetings the Centre site is chosen, and the draft of the action plan had already been prepared to be submitted to the Minister.

• Inter-Regional Project – “Latin American Handicrafts Week” in Kuwait in Jan 2016 H.E. Minister of Information, Chairperson of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) has approved my proposal of organizing a “Latin American Handicrafts Week in Kuwait” in Jan 2016. 15-20 craftspeople from Latin America Region will be invited for a Workshop demonstration and Exhibition work, an Exhibition of outstanding products, and a Fashion Show of traditional costumes. 3-5 VIPS will be invited among whom are: WCC-AISBL President of Latin America Region, Deputy or Senior Vice President, WCC Past President, WCC Past President, and WCC-AISBL President.

The project had already been discussed with Mr.Alberto De Betolaza, President of WCC- Latin America Region since June 17, 2014, and during meetings in China Oct. 18-26, 2014. I am now coordinating with NCCAL Secretary General & organizer to set the preliminary plan for this great event.

I met Dec. 28, 2014 with NCCAL Secretary General, and Director of Antiquities and Museums and discussed the draft of the program, the logistics etc.

• The next WCC Award of Excellence Jurying Cycle of Asia Pacific Region -2016 in Kuwait

In August at the Jurying meeting of WCC-AoE 2014, I formally announced to WCC President Mr.Wang Shan and APR Executive Board Members, that my proposal of hosting the next Jurying Cycle of Asia Pacific Region for WCC Award of Excellence 2016 in Kuwait, was approved by H.E.Shaikh Salman Sabah al-Salem al-Humoud al-Sabah, the Minister of Information, State Minister for Youth Affairs, and Chairperson of the National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters.

At my last meeting with the NCCAL Secretary General Dec. 28, 2014, he proposed that the jurying meeting be held between Sept.20-30, 2016. I hope this timing will be convenient for the APR sub-regions.