Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council Showcases Emirati Heritage At First NOMAD Event In UAE

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, participated in the inaugural UAE edition of NOMAD in Abu Dhabi from November 19–22. This event aligns with Irthi's mission to empower female artisans across the UAE and beyond. The council engaged in a significant panel discussion and displayed pieces from the Irthi x Ricardo Rendón series during this four-day programme.

Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi, highlighted that their involvement at NOMAD aims to elevate Emirati crafts and heritage on a global scale. She stated, "Irthi empowers craftswomen with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to carry our heritage forward with confidence. These crafts are central to our cultural identity, and by placing artisans at the core of the council’s strategy, we ensure our heritage and crafts continue to evolve through designs that speak to contemporary audiences while remaining rooted in tradition."

Irthi is conducting interactive workshops where participants can create Talli leather keychains and design Safeefah bookmarks. These sessions are led by Amal Ismail and Alya Al Ali from Irthi, showcasing traditional techniques adapted for modern use. The workshops aim to blend heritage with contemporary design, making traditional crafts relevant in today's world.

The council also presented selected works from the Tilad Collection by Mexican artist Ricardo Rendón. These pieces were developed in collaboration with Emirati craftswomen, highlighting a fusion of cultural artistry. This collaboration underscores Irthi's commitment to fostering international partnerships while preserving local craftsmanship.

This year marks a significant milestone for Irthi as it continues to support a wide network of artisans through vocational training and market-access programmes. The council's efforts have been recognised internationally; Sharjah has been acknowledged by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Crafts and Folk Art for its excellence in Talli craftsmanship.

This recognition reflects Irthi's dedication to preserving traditional crafts while promoting innovation within these art forms. By providing artisans with necessary resources and opportunities, Irthi ensures that these crafts remain an integral part of cultural identity while adapting to modern demands.

Through its various initiatives, Irthi remains committed to advancing traditional crafts on both regional and global platforms. By empowering women artisans and fostering collaborations, the council plays a crucial role in sustaining cultural heritage while embracing contemporary design trends.

With inputs from WAM