Award of Excellence for Handicrafts: Launch of the 2010 Southeast Asia Programme

Applications are now open for the 2010 edition of the UNESCO “Award of Excellence for Handicrafts” in Southeast Asia.

The Award of Excellence programme (formerly known as the SEAL of Excellence) has been established to encourage craft-workers to use traditional skills and materials. It aims to ensure the continuation of traditional knowledge and skills and the preservation of cultural diversity in the region. In addition, promoting handicraft is a major contributing factor for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in local economies.

This year the Indonesian National AHPADA Chapter (INAC) will be the lead agency for the 2010 evaluation cycle in close collaboration with the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) Regional Secretariat based in Bangkok, UNESCO Offices in Bangkok and Jakarta.

A panel of experts in design, handicraft production and promotion will meet in September 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia to review submissions across a variety of craft categories, from household decorations to jewelry, musical instruments and fashion accessories. Craftspeople granted with the ’Award’ will be presented with certificates in October 2010, and gain access to support and advice from UNESCO and AHPADA on capacity-building and promotional opportunities including national and international trade fairs.

This year’s winning products will be invited to participate in Trade Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia in October 2010. Some awarded products will be exhibited during the Trade Expo.

The programme was established in Southeast Asia in 2001 by UNESCO and AHPADA and organized and hosted for each biannual event in Bangkok.

Applications close on the 30 June 2010. 
Application forms are available [here]. 

For further information, contact your national focal point or the 2010 coordinating committee.