Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council Marks 10 Years With ADIHEX Debut And New Collection Launch

The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary by participating in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This event, running until September 7, marks a decade of empowering artisans and reimagining traditional Emirati crafts through a modern lens.

Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi, stated: "Our inaugural participation in ADIHEX reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Irthi, who believes in the enduring value of Emirati crafts as a link between heritage and modern day. The traditions of hunting and equestrianism, deeply rooted in Emirati identity, offer a meaningful source of inspiration for artisans to create contemporary works that honour and reinterpret this cultural legacy."

The Craft Exchange Programme is a cross-cultural initiative that merges Lebanese and Emirati creative traditions to develop collaborative designs. Proceeds from this collection will support artisan development programmes in both countries, promoting sustainability and expanding economic opportunities for traditional crafts.

Irthi's pavilion features an exclusive collection created with renowned Lebanese designer Nada Debs. This collection blends authentic Emirati craftsmanship with modern design elements. Inspired by Talli craft, it showcases refined geometric patterns on contemporary wooden surfaces.

Visitors can engage in workshops inspired by Talli and Safeefa crafts at the pavilion. These sessions offer hands-on experiences with traditional Emirati weaving techniques. Additionally, collections that extend Irthi’s vision of presenting Emirati crafts with a contemporary perspective are on display.

The pavilion also highlights various handcrafted products made by its artisans over the past decade. These items demonstrate how Emirati crafts can innovate while staying true to their cultural roots.

Commitment to Heritage

Reem BinKaram further commented: "Over the past decade, Irthi has established itself as a platform for nurturing talent, safeguarding traditional knowledge, and expanding the economic prospects of artisans through strategic collaborations. Our presence at this exhibition reflects that ongoing commitment, highlighting work that is both culturally authentic and economically viable. We will spare no effort to ensure heritage continues to play an active role in shaping a sustainable future for the craft sector."

The exhibition also includes items like notebooks and camel-shaped keychains that reflect Irthi's commitment to presenting Emirati crafts with a modern twist.

This participation underscores Irthi's dedication to preserving heritage while fostering innovation within the craft sector. By blending tradition with modernity, they aim to ensure these crafts remain relevant and economically viable for future generations.

With inputs from WAM