- Review of the work achieved in the Cyprus Handicraft Service in the years 2020 - 2022
- Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the YMCA and the ANAD for the provision of model training programmes for unemployed people interested in professionally engaging in handicrafts.
- More ready than ever for the YMCA to play its role and lead the handicraft sector to substantial cultural, social and economic revitalization.
At a review of the work achieved by the Cyprus Handicraft Service (HCS) during the years 2020-2022, was made by the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry (MoEIC) Ms Natasha Pileidou, a few weeks before the Service is transferred to the new Deputy Ministry of Culture.
At the event, which took place yesterday evening, Monday 30 May 2022, at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, in Laiki Gitonia, the Memorandum of Cooperation between the YMCA and the Human Resources Development Authority (HRD) was signed, through the implementation of which model training programmes will be provided in three, in the first phase, traditional techniques, ceramics, weaving and embroidery. As Mrs. Pileidou stressed, this is a decisive step in the great effort made in the last two years for the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of our country and for the promotion of handicrafts as a career field.
The training programmes will be addressed to the unemployed, immigrants and people in closed structures, such as e.g.The training programmes, the Minister explained, were designed on a scientific basis by the University of Cyprus under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2021. At the same time, the Cyprus Handicraft Service has been approved by ANAD as a Vocational Training Centre and Structure, in order to be able to proceed with the implementation of the training programmes.
"In the meantime and until the provision of the integrated programmes becomes feasible, pilot training programmes in embroidery in Lefkara and weaving in Gouri were implemented in order to gain valuable time. Today, fourteen new Lefkara embroiderers continue to be trained while, at the same time, producing items promoted by the YMCA," noted Ms. Pileidou, who during her presentation developed the vision of the YMCA, on the basis of which the above actions were based.
"Our vision for the reorganization and modernization of the Cyprus Handicraft Service was born out of our anxiety to preserve our intangible cultural heritage, to revive it, to highlight it and to develop it as an area of economic activity with prospects," she said. As the Minister explained, the first step was taken with the preparation in 2021 of a comprehensive Strategic Planning Study, which includes the roadmap for actions of the Service up to 2026. "The new breath was marked by the choice of the new logo that we unveiled last October. A logo inspired by the Cypriot embroidery, weaving and woodcarving motifs of Cyprus, in the colour of copper. We have also proceeded with the architectural study for the renovation of the YKX store in Nicosia, while our goal to create a modern website and e-shop will hopefully soon be implemented by the new Deputy Ministry of Culture."
Ms. Pileidou also referred to YKX's international activities and distinctions, as well as the synergies developed for the promotion of Cypriot handicrafts in the last two years. Some of them are: ceramist Vassos Demetriou, jewellery designer Iros Kaskani, weaver Ioanna Louka and carpenters Navid and Sahand Gholipour, curated by Dr. Joseph Hatzikiyriakou. [*]Inclusion of the YMCA as the official body of the Republic of Cyprus in the international organization World Craft Council Europe in 2021, as well as in the digital platform of the "Homo Faber Guide" of the Michelangelo Foundation. The two actions reinforce and strengthen the Agency's networking with European Craft Policy makers. [*]Donation of handmade leucarite belts to the Youth Symphony Orchestra, which now adorn the official attire of the Orchestra's young musicians. [*]Manufacture of handmade Christmas decorations used for the decoration of Cypriot airports. [/LIST]
Summing up, Ms. Pileidou said that "the actions of the last two years are but one part of a long-term project, which aims to promote traditional handicraft as the most tangible manifestation of the intangible cultural heritage of our country, as well as to record and establish internationally the beauty of Cypriot handicraft and the talent of its creators". He also expressed confidence that the people of the Ministry of Culture will continue to work tirelessly to accomplish their high mission. "We believe that we will deliver a Service more ready than ever to play its role, leading to a substantial cultural, social and economic revitalization of the handicraft sector."
At the end of the event, three short films created in collaboration with Mr. Filep Motwary, internationally renowned fashion curator, author and "editor at large" of Vogue Greece, in an effort to record the actions and activities of the YMCA and to promote to the public the educational programmes prepared in cooperation with the ANAD. The films have the general title #craftingcyprus and focus on three categories of local craft techniques, embroidery, ceramics and weaving, and their evolution. Aiming to encourage artisans to protect and continue to produce crafts, Motwary touches on the vitality of values such as mentoring, synergy, vision and the importance of passing on skills to younger generations.
(GA)
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