REPORT on Handicraft activities in Central Asia: , Tajikistan, Uzbekistan in 2013 Prepared by D.Chochunbaeva, Vice-president of WCC-APR for Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan:

1. During 2013 there were organized 7 short craft fairs. This craft fairs are organized in , capital of Kyrgyzstan, every month. Usually 23-25 Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Tajik craftsmen take part at fairs. Schedule of the craft fairs: Feb 9-10, March 16-17, April 5-6, May 22-25, October 19-20, November 22-23, December 7-8.

2. Since October 2012 to March 2014 CACSARC-kg takes part in implementing of the Project "Advancing women’s economic opportunities in Fergana valley handicraft and textile supply chain" in partnership with the RCE KG (Resource Center of the Development for Sustainable Development in Kyrgyzstan). There were several International Experts on Handicraft Development being involved in the Project activities: WCC-APR Board Members Ms. Manjari Nirula (India) and Mr. Edric Ong (Malaysia) have been providing support in creation of the craft production-marketing chain in Fergana Valley and introducing Central Asian handicrafts to the different markets; Ms. Geraldine Hurez (France) – have been completing and adapting handicraft items “Fergana Valley Collection” for the European market, particularly for the Maison et Objet; Ms. Karen Gibbs (USA, “ByHand” Consulting) – have been developing selecting craft production to be introduced for American market (at New York Gift Fair, Feb 2014).

1) Within Project activities there were 23 trainings on different craft technologies and marketing were provided for more than 225 craftsmen all over Fergana Valley in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

2) Exhibition on the Seal of Excellence for Handicraft Products in Central Asia was opened in the National Art Museum since July 18 to August 31.

3) In October 8-16, 2013 Study-tour to Malaysia and Thailand was organized for the regional group of 13 craftsmen from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Study Tour was conducted by Mr. Edric Ong, program included visits to different workshops, craft centers and handicraft market places.

4) Since the Project start the Mentorship Program for the craftsmen leaders managed by Professor A. Karasaeva became an innovative tool to develop Handicraft sector in Central Asia. About 30 mentors from three countries got trainings and started working with interns all over three countries.

3. July 6-12, 2013 Visit to London of the Cultural NGOs leaders to prepare organization of the Kyrgyz Culture Week in UK in 2014. There were several meeting with Kyrgyz Embassy and Kyrgyz Diaspora activists in UK, Turkish Culture Center, Asia House and Aga Khan Foundation in London. As a result of the trip, the program of Kyrgyz Culture Week in London was drafted, and was planned to be organized in May 2014.

4. National Contest on the Felt Rugs Shyrdak and Ala-Kiyiz, was organized by felt makers’ communities with the support of the local administration in district of Kyrgyzstan. CACSARC-kg organized the work of Jury. Over 70 felt rugs from all provinces of Kyrgyzstan were presented to be judged. To the 9 best felt rugs were given awards, and some of them were taken by national museums as samples of the ancient art.

5. The 8th Annual International OIMO Festival was organized in Kyrgyzstan from July 29 to August 2, 2013. The Festival Program included different events, organized in Bishkek, capital of KR and Cholpon-Ata city in Issyk-Kul Lake shore: Craft Fair, Traditional Customs and Cousin of Central Asian people, Ecological program.

6. Second Session of the WCC-APR was held in Bishkek at Hyatt Regency in July 27, 2013. Deputy Minister of made a report on the efforts of Kyrgyz Government in Handicraft sector. Roza Otunbaeva, the former President of Kyrgyz Republic, took part at the reception in honor of distinguished guests - the WCC Board members. Board members visited OIMO Festival events in Bishkek and Issyk-Kul and evaluated the process of the handicraft development in the country.

7. The Craft Council of Kyrgyzstan was established in July 2013 by the leaders of craft communities, producing handicraft products for the livelihood, decided to unite their efforts to be able to solve together some common issues as achieving markets, revival and pass to the next generation of the handicraft heritage, reaching support from government etc. At the meeting during the OIMO Festival 7 representatives from all were elected as the Board of the CCK.

8. Meeting of CACSA members decided to pass the regional leadership from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan for the period between 2013 and 2017. The President elected – Mukarama Kayumova, the regional office of CACSA will be located at the “Haft Paikar” Foundation in Dushanbe.

9. Exhibition of Kyrgyz felt rugs, was organized in Baku, Azerbaijan at the 8th Session of the Inter Governmental Committee on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding from December 2 to 7, 2013. The Exhibition included over 15 best samples of the Kyrgyz felt rugs and was dedicated to the inscription of the “Manas, Semetey, Seitek Kyrgyz epic Trilogy” into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

10. CACSARC-kg started the process of completion of the form for the duo-cultural nomination “The Yurt-nomadic felt house of Kyrgyz and Kazakh people” to be described into the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. Kyrgyz and Kazakh yurt producers, scholars and NGOs were involved into the collaborative work, the 8-minutes film about the yurt was created.

11. Craft Fairs in Bishkek were organized monthly within a year, totally 12 times. Over 250 craft producers participated at the fairs. Eight TV and five Radio programs promoting handicrafts were organized on National Television and Radio.

12. Calendar “SHYRDAK-the Kyrgyz Felt Rug” in 3000 copies were published in December 2013 and distributed within the country through the governmental structures. Kamila Talieva, the Vice Prime-minister of Kyrgyzstan provided support in distribution of the calendar’s copies all over the provinces of Kyrgyzstan.

Tajikistan

1. “Haft Paikar” Handicraft Foundation (CACSA Regional Office since July 2013) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Tajikistan, published the book “Applied Art of Tajikistan” in Russian, English and Arab languages. Ministry of Culture and “Haft Paikar” Foundation signed an agreement to prepare 6 books for publication within 2014: 1. Ornamental Heritage of Tajik people; 2. Tajik Gold Embroidery 3. Suzanne 4. History of the Tajik Traditional Costume 5. Jewelry Art of Tajikistan 6. Handicarfts in the Independent Tajikistan

2. Within the year ten projects on support of the handicraft activities were designed and proposed to different governmental institutions. As a result, following projects received financial support: 1. Project of the ornamental Heritage (Institute of Central Asian Study, Tashkent) 2. “Dieri Husn” Craft Festival (Ministry of Culture) 3. Project on supporting Suzanne production (Ministry of Trade). 4. Souvenir products Development (National Committee on Family and Women).

3. By the support of the National Committee of Television and Radio there were organized: TV Show “Fashion Designer” to introduce the young talented beginners in Fashion industry (every second month), Radio translation “Chomi Getinamo” on the history of different kinds of traditional crafts (every week).

4. Haft Paikar make the Craft Exhibition and Fashion Show for the wives of directors of Islamic Banks. As a result women craft communities were included into the list of credit receivers with low percentage (since March 2014), supported by the Banks.

5. In March 26-28 Tajik craftsmen participated at the Nawruz Holiday Celebration in Ashgabad, Turkmenistan within the frame of governmental program of cultural exchange.

6. Between August and October Tajik craftsmen received the governmental order to make the official dress for the religious muslim leaders of Tajikistan and decorated the Embassy of Tajikistan in Kabul, Afghanistan for 100 thousand USA Dollars (Suzanne, miniatures, gold embroidery etc.).

7. In October 2-5, “Haft Paikar” Craft Association in partnership with the National Committee of UNESCO in Tajikistan organized the visit of Ms. Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO, to the Tajik craftsmen workshops and exhibition of Tajik crafts, received “UNESCO Award of Excellnce”.

8. The Project on working out the Product standards and quality was started by Haft Paikar foundation in collaboration with the State Committee on standardization of Tajikistan.

9. At the annual December speech of the President Emomaly Rahmon to the Tajik People (in Decembe 2013) the problems of the craft sector in Tajikistan were mentioned. At the meeting of Public Advisors this topic was discussed by the proposal of the national Craft Association “Haft Paikar”. It was decided to provide the governmental support to the craft sector through the Ministry of Trade of Tajikistan. Six craftsmen received the Governmental Awards.

Uzbekistan

Last Sunday of every month during 2013 “Hunarmand” Craftsmen Association organized “Craftsmen’ Planet” Handicraft fair, where products of Uzbek craftsmen from all over the country were presented.

1. March 2013, “Hunarmand” Craftsmen Association in collaboration with Union of Farmers and Chamber of Trade of Uzbekistan organized the contest «Tashabbus». Mahfuza Salimova, the gold embroiderer from Bukhara was nominated as the Best Craftsman of the Year.

2. May 4-5, 2013 – the Festival “Asrlar Sadosi” in Navoii province was organized by Culture Forum in collaboration with UNESCO Office in Tashkent. The Festival Program included the Craft Fair, Fashion Show, Folk Music, Traditional Cousin.

3. June 8-10, International Festival “Silk and Spices” in Bukhara, Program included Conference, Handicraft workshops, trainings, exhibitions and craft fair, Fashion Show. Goal of the Festival – preservation of the cultural heritage, support of the craftsmen as barriers and development of crafts in general.

4. August 15-18, Uzbek craftsmen were invited to participate at the Fair and demonstration of the craft techniques within the framework of the Festival “Melodies of the East” in Samarkand.

5. October 19-25 – Culture Forum organized Art Biennale, which program consisted of the Contemporary Art Exhibitio, Photo-exhibition, BAZAR-ART Craft Fair and the Fashion demonstration of the world known brands.

6. December 22–23, Exhibition “Craftsmen of the Independent Uzbekistan” with craft products from all over the country. Exhibition was located in the Gallery of Traditional Arts under the Ministry of Culture and Sport in Uzbekistan.

REPORT on activities for the Handicrafts Development in Central Asia in 2014

Date Event \ Content Location Responsible February – 16 craft fairs were organized in Caravan Business CACSARC-kg November Bishkek in 2014. Center, American University, The National Historical Museum, the Kurmanjan Datka Square

February 22-23 The monthly Craft Fairs in ALmaty. Arbat Boulevard, Jety Chamber of Crafts March 29-30 Suu Hotel, Almaty, of Almaty April 26-27 This craft fair is located in the center Kazakhstan May 24-25 of Almaty city along the tourists’ way June 28-29 – the Arbat Boulevard , as well as in August 30-31 the Jety Suu hotel and outdoor September 27-28 around its entrance.

March 1-2 The regional Craft Fairs in Almaty. Almaty, National Center of May 30-31 Museum of Decorative and Over 200 craftsmen from all Kazakhstan Applied Arts countries of Central Asia participate “BAKHYT” at this fairs.

February 4-6 Participation at the whole sale craft New York, USA CACSARC-kg, fair “New York Now”. CACSA TRADE

April 4 Regional seminar “Optimization of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Bishkek Business the governmental regulation of the Club craft sector in Kyrgyzstan”. CACSARC-kg

May Study Tour to India. Delhi, India RCE-kg

Group of 11 craftsmen from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan visited India for the exchange of experience with Indian artisans.

May 6-8 Participation of the Kyrgyz artisan London, UK Embassy of Kyrgyz Farzana Sharshembieva at the Republic in UK, Diplomatic Craft Fair in London CACSARC-kg under the patronage of the Princess Anna.

May 3-16 Participation at the Craft Exhibitions Washington DC, USA CACSARC-kg within the week “Passport DC”. New York, USA Three craftsmen from Kyrgyzstan demonstrated the craft technologies and organized sales in the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in USA.

June 1-3 The annual International Festival Bukhara, Uzbekistan Craft Development “Silk and Spices”. Center of Bukhara The rich program including Craft Fair, province, Bukhara Fashion Show and degustation of the city administration traditional food is proposed to participants of the Festival.

June 6-8 Organizing of the craft fair and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan CACSARC-kg, presentation of the yurt at the Kyrgyzpatent International Conference on Intellectual Rights.

June 28 IV National Festival and Contest At-Bashy village, CCK, Kyrgyz Felt “Kyrgyz Shyrdagy”. , Makers Kyrgyzstan Association, About 2000 felt rugs from all over Administration of Naryn district Kyrgyzstan were presented to be judged. 36 producers of the felt rugs received awards, supported by the local business.

July 11-13 Presentation of Central Asian International Santa Fe CACSARC-kg awarded products at the UNESCO Folk Art Market, USA Booth at IFAM.

Crafts were sold for 38 thousand USD.

July 17-18 II National Conference Naryn city, Kyrgyzstan CACSARC-kg, “Development of the Women’s Ministry of Social Entrepreneurship in the rural area”. Development of Kyrgyzstan 35 craftsmen from all over the country took part at the conference.

July 24 International Conference “The Park Hotel, Bishkek, CACSARC-kg, regional cooperation as a key tool of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek Business promotion of the Central Asian Club artisans’ products to the world market”.

70 craftsmen and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, Russia, Holland, Germmany, Sweden, USA, Italy participated at the conference.

July 24-August 3 9th Annual International Festival of Bishkek-Cholpon-Ata, CACSARC-kg, Crafts and Traditional Culture Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Culture, “OIMO” Tourism and information of Kyrgyzstan

August 7-8 Jury meeting of the WCC-UNESCO Dubovyi Park Gallery, CACSARC-kg Program “Award of Excellence for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Handicraft products in Central Asia”. 81 craft products were admitted, 38 of them were certified: 10 from Kazakhstan, 12 from Kyrgyzstan, .. from Uzbekistan, 6 from Tajikistan.

August 25 Exhibition, dedicated to the visit in “Supara” CACSARC-kg, Kyrgyzstan of Irina Bokova, the Ethno-Cultural Resort National Director General of UNESCO. Center, Bishkek, Committee on Kyrgyzstan UNESCO Issues in At the exhibition the craft products Kyrgyzstan awarded during 10 years by WCC- UNESCO Program “Award of Excellence for Handicraft products in Central Asia” were presented.

September 8-13 Design of the Bishkek City location at Pasture “Kyrchyn”, CACSARC-kg, the “World Games of Nomads”. Issuk-kul district, Craft Council of Designers and anthropologists built Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan the village consists of 7 yurts with interior décor, reflecting the different epochs of Kyrgyz people life. “Rukh Ordo” Center in The regional Craft Fair with master- Cholpon Ata city, classes and demonstration of the Issyk-kul district, traditional customs and rituals was Kyrgyzstan organized.

October 16-26, The group of 9 craftsmen and Donyang, Nantong, CACSARC-kg, Craft 2014 designers took part at the World China Council Of Craft Council 50 years Anniversary, Kyrgyzstan Conference, Craft Competition and WEFT Exhibition.

Kyrgyz craftsman Samagan Toktosunov, participant of International Competition “Contemporary Crafts: yesterday, today, tomorrow”, received the Gold Prize for his saddle “Snow Leopard”.

Three Kyrgyz designers participated at the WEFT Exhibition in Nantong.

October- The research of the existing issues in Naryn and CACSARC-kg, UNDP November the Felt production sector of districts, Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan was done.

November 26-28 The Yurt, Kyrgyz\Kazakh portable UNESCO HQ, Paris, CACSARC-kg, dwelling is inscribed into the List of France National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Committee on Humanity. UNESCO Issues in Kyrgyzstan

November 6-7, International Festival of Handicrafts Dushanbe, Tajikistan “Haft Paikar” Public 2014 and Traditional Culture “Diyori Foundation Husn”

November 15 The year meeting of the Craft National Art Museum, CCK Council of Kyrgyzstan, yearly report Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan of the Board and election

November 12 – Project “Handcrafted Panno BEIJING Chui, Issyk-kul and CACSARC-kg December 10, +20”. Naryn districts of 2014 Six creative sessions with different districts of Kyrgyzstan were organized.

In result women with the CACSARC- kg designers created the Social Art product – the wall hanging Panno on the topic of implementation of the Beijing Platform in Kyrgyzstan.

November – The coffee-table book “SHYRDAK” is Bishkek, Kyrgysztan CACSARC-kg December prepared for publication.

December 5-29 Exhibition “Embroidery in decoration National Art Museum, “Saimaluu Tash” of the interior” Bishkek Gallery in Osh city

Draft Activity Plan in Central Asia for 2015

Date Event \ Content Location Responsible January-May To publish a series of the coffee- Kyrgyzstan CACSARC-kg table books on Kyrgyz Handicrafts

January 22-26 Meeting with International experts Delhi, India CACSARC-kg M.Nirula, E.Ong, Natalia Musina and J.Espinar to design the project proposal “Handicraft Silk Road in XXI Century” February – Regional Craft fairs Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, CACSARC-kg November Almaty, Kazakhstan CCK, Craft Chamber of Almaty, Center of decorative and applied arts “BAKHYT”

February- International Craft Fairs and USA, UK, India, Malaysia CACSARC-kg, CCK November Exhibitions outside of the region

February To participate at the European Ambient, Germany CACSA TRADE whole sale Gift Fair

February To design the project proposal Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, CACSARC-kg “Support to Afghan women artisans Afghanistan in their way to market”

March 4-5 To organize a craft fair, exhibition Philharmonic, Bishkek, “Initiatives of Roza and presnts for the participants of Kyrgyzstan Otunbaeva” the National Conference of Women Foundation of Kyrgyzstan CACSARC-kg

March 20-25 Central Asia Craft Fair dedicated to Paris and Nice, France CACSARC-kg, CCK the Nooruz Mairam

Beginning of The annual International Festival Bukhara, Uzbekistan Craft Development May “Silk and Spices”. Center of Bukhara province, Bukhara city administration

April Seminars and workshops for Jalal Abad and Talas CCK craftsmen provinces, Kyrgyzstan

Beginning of “Aigul” Festival, workshops and Fair district, CCK, May of the Piled Rugs Kyrgyzstan Administration of the province

May or June National Conference “Copy right Issyk-kul lake, CACSARC-kg, and branding in craft sector of Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzpatent Kyrgyzstan”

June 27-28 Festival “Kyrgyz Shyrdagy” and final At-Bashy, Kyrgyzstan CCK selection of the national contest on the felt rugs

July 11-16 International Folk Art Market. Santa Fe, NM, USA CACSARC-kg Presentation of the Central Asian collection at the UNESCO Booth.

July 23-29, 2013 The biennale program “Felt Cross- Issyk-kul and Naryn CACSARC-kg Roads in Kyrgyzstan”. It proposed for provinces, Kyrgyzstan International and local felt makers to share their experience, to demonstrate their achievements and learn for the ancient traditional felt techniques from the Kyrgyz artisans.

Mid of July Festival – Theatre Show on the felt Kyzyl Tuu village, Issyk- “Kiyiz Duinosu” culture of Kyrgyz people “Kyrgyz kul lake, Kyrgyzstan Foundation Duinosu”

July 30-August 7 10th Anniversary of the annual Bishkek – Cholpon Ata CACSARC-kg, International Festival on Crafts and cities, Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Culture, Traditional Culture “OIMO”. Tourism and Information of Kyrgyzstan

August 8-15 Culture Week at the “The Planet Tosor and Bokonbaev CACSARC-kg Eye” Yurt Camp and “Almaluu” Craft villages, Issyk-kul lake, Village Kyrgyzstan

September Festival “Kyrgyz Aiyly” Ak-suu district, Issyk-kul CCK lake, Kyrgyzstan

October 5 - 9 Yearly Meeting of the Craft Council Osh, Kyrgyzstan CCK, of Kyrgyzstan, workshops and Craft Osh city Fair dedicated to the National Administration Artisans’ Day

November International Craft Fairs within the Milan, Italy; Berlin, CACSARC-kg special programs Germany; Goteborg, CCK Sweden; Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland.