KUWAIT: Chairperson of the Sadu Crafts Association, Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced on Wednesday that international judges from the World Crafts Council will evaluate Kuwait as a global city for the Sadu weaving craft. This was stated by Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah during a press conference held at the Sadu House, in the presence of the representative of the Sadu Crafts Association, its honorary president Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and members of the jury from the World Crafts Council.
Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah mentioned that the judges toured Kuwait to assess the country’s commitment to the Sadu craft, where they visited various locations and interested parties, including the Sadu House, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the Ministry of Education. She added that the delegation engaged with representatives of government agencies, cultural institutions, and local craftsmen in discussion sessions regarding how to develop this craft and integrate it into the global craft scene.
She stated that the committee members’ visit included cultural centers across the country, such as Naif Palace, the Red Palace, the Peace Palace, the American Cultural Center, and others, adding that "the judges expressed their pride in this visit, emphasizing Kuwait’s role in protecting and promoting craft heritage, enhancing cultural tourism, and opening new horizons for Kuwaiti craftsmen.”
For his part, the President of the World Crafts Organization, Saad Al-Qaddoumi, informed Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait has applied for the title of ‘World Crafts City’ for Sadu weaving through the Sadu House-a member of the World Crafts Organization-indicating that this title is awarded to cities and regions that contribute to preserving traditional crafts and enhancing their sustainability. Al-Qaddoumi explained that the World Crafts Organization, founded in New York in 1964 and registered in the Kingdom of Belgium, is currently headquartered in Kuwait for this presidential term.
It is an international non-profit organization and the only organization in the world specialized in protecting craft heritage across five geographical regions, including North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. He noted the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters’ support for the World Crafts Organization since 2012, believing in the importance of preserving craft heritage and Kuwait’s role as a cultural center.
He stated that the team of international judges and consultants will evaluate the extent to which Kuwait meets the organization’s standards, adding that these standards consider the cultural, social , and economic aspects of the craft. He explained that after the evaluation visit concludes, an official report will be prepared within two months, including the final recommendations, after which the World Crafts Organization will announce the official decision, expressing his hope that the result will be positive and that Kuwait will be officially granted this title by next April.
He emphasized the organization’s commitment to the credibility of granting this certificate, as the judges are selected from professional experts, craftsmen, and specialized consultants, stressing the importance of the title in enhancing Kuwait’s position as a leading country in the field of preserving craft heritage and supporting traditional crafts as a cultural, economic and tourism factor.
The delegation includes the President of the World Crafts Council, Saad Al-Qaddoumi; Vice President of the World Crafts Council from Australia, Dr Kevin Murray; President of the Americas Region of the World Crafts Council from the United States, Dr Carol Lopez; Vice President of the Africa Region of the World Crafts Council from South Africa, Dr Nadia Mir; Director of the Department of Crafts and Tourism in Kashmir, India, Mahmoud Ahmed Shah; and a consultant member of the World Crafts Council from India, Professor Shomish Singh. – KUNA