Threads of change

An exhibition of contemporary textile works using traditional Pakistani craft skills will open at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London, UK, next month, as part of a long-term social development project designed to improve the income of skilled women artisans from Pakistan.

It is the first time their work will be shown to international buyers and retailers. The aim of the exhibition is to provide the women with direct access to European markets for high quality textile products, soft furnishings and couture.

Organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) in Pakistan, the exhibition is the result of a three-year pilot project led by the Gender Section of the Secretariat and RSPN. It represents their ongoing commitment to gender issues, poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

The partnership between international designers and the rural women began with a series of masterclass design workshops held in Karachi and in the Northern Areas of Pakistan in September 2007. Since then, 40 women artisans have been involved in producing the textile crafts on display which will be marketed directly by the designers.

Up to 30 samples will be on show, ranging from cushion covers, dresses, bedding, shawls and wall hangings.

“It is inspiring to see the amazing products that have come out of the partnership between contemporary European design skills and the incredibly fine detailed stitching and beadwork of the women.

“The products on show illustrate real potential for these traditional skills in Western markets - this is the beginning of something really special,” said Mo Tomaney, designer and consultant on the project.

At the exhibition, a documentary film and photographic display will tell the story of the project, while tribal craft pieces will show the skills in their traditional context. Visitors will be able to hear testimonials from the women about their lives, livelihoods and hopes for the future as prospective skilled artisans working with international designers. Two of the artisans will travel from Pakistan to represent the voices of the women who made the exhibition possible.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, who will officially open the event, said: “Women continue to make up a disproportionate number of the world’s poor. Empowering them economically to access international markets will be an important step towards helping them achieve sustainable livelihoods, and a key step towards winning the fight against global poverty.”

Invited guests will include designers, buyers and retailers, as well as representatives from the international development sector.

RSPN needs to continue to build its capacity to provide optimum support to the women in accessing international markets for their textiles crafts.

Threads of Change, which runs from 18 to 22 November 2008, marks an important step in the journey towards making these aspirations a sustainable reality.

The exhibition is in keeping with the work of The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, which regenerates and sustains traditional art forms both in the UK and internationally.

Related News:

• The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts
• Gender and Trade