Launch in Mexico
On October 10, 2024, the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts was presented at the Iturbide Palace, also known as the Citibanamex Cultural Palace, a historic building in the heart of Mexico City. The event was organized by Mrs. Cándida Fernández de Calderón and was officially opened with speeches by the International President of the World Crafts Council, Mr. Sa’ad Al-Qadummi; the encyclopedia’s Vice President and Coordinating Editor, Dr. Kevin Murray; and the advisor Mr. Indrasen Vencatachellum. Also present were the regional editors, Ms. Rosa Rojas (Mexico and Central America) and Ms. Cecilia Duque Duque.
The event took place within the framework of the Day of the Dead celebration, and the speeches were given in front of elaborate offerings. Artisans from Latin America attended the event to receive certificates in recognition of their work in preserving their skills, which were documented in the encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia contains 140 articles written by 41 authors from 21 Latin American countries. This publication is a testimony to the dynamism of crafts in a continent that merges indigenous and migrant cultures.
The encyclopedia was funded by the Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Crafts and Arts, in memory of Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi. This was the second volume of a global encyclopedia of crafts, following the first volume dedicated to the Asia Pacific region.
On 10 October 2024, the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts was launched at the Palacio de Iturbide, also known as the Citibanamex Culture Palace, a historic building in the heart of Mexico City. The event was hosted by Señora Candida Fernandez de Calderon and officially launched with speeches by the World Crafts Council – International President, Mr Sa’ad Al-Qadummi, the Vice-President and encyclopedia coordinating editor, Dr Kevin Murray and advisor Mr Indrasen Vencatachellum. The regional editors, Ms Rosa Rojas (Mexico and Central America) and Ms Cecilia Duque Duque were also present.
The event was held in the lead-up to the Dias de los Muertos, and speeches occurred in front of elaborate ofrendas. Artisans from Latin America came to receive certificates acknowledging their work in keeping the skills alive, which were documented in the encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia contains 140 entries by 41 writers from 21 countries of Latin America. The publication is a testament to the vibrancy of crafts in a continent that mixes indigenous and migrant cultures.
The encyclopedia was funded by the Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Handicrafts and Arts in memory of Dr Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi. This was the second volume of a global encyclopedia of crafts, following the first volume on the Asia Pacific Region.
Craft encyclopedia: a door of
entry to world craft heritage
By Dr. Kevin Murray, Editor-in-Chief and Director of Craft Encyclopedia
October 22, 2024
In an era when cultural preservation is both a challenge and a necessity, Craft Encyclopedia emerges as a beacon of knowledge, offering an unparalleled resource for craftspeople, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Launched with the intention of documenting, preserving and celebrating diverse craft traditions around the world, this digital compendium serves as a crucial link between the past and future of craftsmanship.
The Craft Encyclopedia is an initiative of the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), a global organization committed to the promotion and preservation of crafts around the world. Its creation is rooted in the belief that craftsmanship is not simply an artistic expression, but is an integral part of cultural identity and heritage. By cataloging the traditional crafts, techniques and stories of the artisans who keep these traditions alive, the Encyclopedia aims to provide a comprehensive reference for anyone interested in the world of crafts.
The launch of Craft Encyclopedia marks an important milestone in the digital archive of crafts. Initially covering the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions, the Encyclopedia is a living document that will continue to expand and eventually encompass crafts from North America, Europe and Africa. Each entry is meticulously curated and offers detailed information on the history, materials, techniques and cultural significance of each craft. The platform is designed to be informative and engaging, with high-quality images, videos and narratives that bring crafts to life.
One of the main benefits of Craft Encyclopedia is its accessibility. For people, it offers a treasure of knowledge, whether you are a student researching traditional crafts, a craftsman seeking inspiration or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade objects. Institutions and organizations can use the Encyclopedia as a resource for education, curatorial projects, and crafts preservation efforts. By providing a centralized, authoritative source of information, Craft Encyclopedia helps bridge the gap between generations of craftsmen and the modern world.
Additionally, Craft Encyclopedia is not a static repository. It invites contributions from the global craft community, encouraging artisans, researchers and cultural organizations to share their knowledge and add new entries. This collaborative approach ensures that the Encyclopedia remains up-to-date and reflects the dynamic nature of craft traditions.
In a world where industrialization and digitalization often eclipse traditional practices, Craft Encyclopedia is a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship. It is a celebration of the human spirit, creativity and the rich cultural tapestry that crafts represent. As it continues to grow, the Encyclopedia will undoubtedly become an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about the preservation and promotion of artisanal heritage.
The Craft Encyclopedia is more than just a digital file; It is a living document that honors the past, enriches the present and inspires the future of craftsmanship. Whether you are an artisan, academic or simply a culture lover, this platform offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of crafts in all its diversity and splendor.
Celebrating Latin American Crafts: The Launch of the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts
October 15, 2024
Celebrating Latin American Crafts: The Launch of the Encyclopedia of Latin American CraftsOn October 22, 2024, the vibrant heart of Mexico will host a momentous occasion: the launch of the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts, a tribute to the region’s rich artisanal heritage. This event, part of the 60th Anniversary of the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC AISBL), will highlight the legacy of Latin American crafts, preserving and promoting the diversity of crafts across the continent. A special thank you to Ms. Cándida Fernández, Director of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex in Mexico, and her dedicated team, whose invaluable support has made the official launch of this project in Mexico possible. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will welcome guests who will gather to celebrate the contributions of artisans whose work forms the cultural fabric of Latin America. Against the backdrop of this global initiative, the event promises to be an important milestone, not only for Latin American crafts but for the global craft movement.
A celebration of history and vision
At the heart of this launch is a deep appreciation for the legacy of Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, whose vision of creating a global artisanal encyclopedia fueled this journey. The program will honor his pivotal role in preserving and promoting arts and crafts with a special tribute video presented by his grandson, Tareq al-Qaddumi. The tribute will serve as a reflection of his tireless efforts to build bridges between cultures through art and crafts.
Key Event Highlights:
Opening and welcome speech
Cándida Fernández de Calderón, director of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex, will set the tone for the evening, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in cultural preservation and economic development.
Commemorative video and comments
The evening will feature a commemorative video celebrating the 60th anniversary of WCC AISBL, with voice-over by WCC AISBL President Saad al-Qaddumi, highlighting the council’s global mission and its enduring relevance. Saad al-Qaddumi will also deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of this encyclopedia in documenting and honoring Latin American craftsmanship.
Editorial perspectives and reflections
Kevin Murray, coordinating editor of the Encyclopedia and vice president of WCC AISBL, will provide an editorial perspective and share insights into the process of curating this monumental work.
The consultantIndrasen Vencatachellum will reflect further on the cultural depth and diversity that the encyclopedia captures, emphasizing the historical and social contexts of these craft traditions.
Recognition of Artisans
The ceremony will culminate with the presentation of certificates to selected artisans, honoring their exceptional craftsmanship. These artisans represent the legacy of cultural preservation that the encyclopedia seeks to document and celebrate.
Closing and Reception
Following the formal presentations, guests will enjoy a grand evening that will allow for conversation, celebration and deeper connections between artisans, cultural leaders and attendees. This reception offers an opportunity to discuss the impact of the encyclopedia and ongoing efforts to preserve the craft globally. At the end of the evening, the launch of the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts will mark not only an academic achievement but a celebration of the creativity, resilience and cultural heritage of artisans throughout the Latin American region. This event promises to be a significant celebration of Latin America’s creative spirit, offering a unique opportunity to recognize the art that shapes the region’s cultural identity.