Sharjah24: The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi), an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement, is introducing the artistic heritage of the UAE to young participants at the inaugural edition of the Hirfati Summer Camp through a vibrant mix of activities that integrate both traditional and contemporary crafts.
The five-day camp, which kicked off recently at Al Heera Children Center, is enriching 50 members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah with skills to develop traditional Emirati Talli with innovative and contemporary designs. Children and youth aged 8-18 are being introduced to the history and techniques of the Emirati craft traditions and learning how to create unique art pieces. These cultural hands-on activities connect the past to the present through the integration of contemporary design practices.
The Hirfati Summer Camp stems from Irthi's vision to preserve the heritage crafts of the UAE and ensure its sustainability by training and engaging the next generation of designers and artists.
Led by Bidwa artisan Shaikha Ali Al Naqbi, the young ladies will receive training and guidance in the techniques of embroidery and the unique weaving techniques at the Hirfati Summer Camp, where they will also acquire the skills of imbuing these traditional crafts with a modern twist.
Participants will practice embroidery on bags and their artistic creations will later be displayed as part of an open exhibition on the concluding day of the camp. A film highlighting the activities and crafts in focus at the educational camp will be screened during the exhibition, and all participants will be honoured.
Amal Bin Khatim, Senior Executive at Irthi, said: "Traditional crafts are a great way to nurture the interests of the young generation in the artistic heritage of the nation and enhance their creativity and talents as artists. The Hirfati Summer Camp also inspires participants to transform old objects or materials into beautiful pieces of art that are infused with traditional elements in a bid to raise their awareness of vital environmental issues such as sustainability and conservation practices.”
Hirfati Youth Programme fulfils Irthi's vision of protecting and preserving the crafts heritage of the UAE and ensuring their sustainability by enabling young generations to learn and develop these crafts with innovative ideas and original designs.
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