The Award of Excellence for Handicrafts (formally known as the Seal of Excellence) was established in South East Asia in 2001 as a joint initiative by UNESCO and the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA). The programme encourages craft-workers to use traditional skills and materials to ensure the perpetuation of traditional knowledge while acknowledging the importance of innovative and marketable designs. By setting quality standards for handicrafts, raising international awareness and promoting innovations to keep the products relevant and competitive, the Award aims to strengthen the interest for these crafts. Capacity-building and promotional activities also help artisans sustain a more viable livelihood and long-term employment.
Due to the success of the programme in South East Asia, the programme has been expanded to not only Central, South and East Asia, but also in countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa.
To learn more about the programme click here.
Craft News and Events
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Launch of the 2012 Award of Excellence for Handicrafts
The Award of Excellence for Handicrafts will this year be hosted by Malaysia. The Minster of Information, Communications and Culture Dato Seri Rais Yatim...
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International Symposium and Exhibition on Natural Dyes & World Eco-Fiber and Textile Forum
27 September- 1 October 2012
KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA
ISEND-WEFT 2012 will provide a platform for discussing the crucial issues facing the cultural and...
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Collectors Corner – Selected Indonesian Textiles: 12 March 2011
Organised by the Thai Textiles Society, Herbert Haar and Achan Sathirakorn Pongpanich share their collection of rare textiles sourced from islands across...
