Objectives and Approaches of the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e Simin)

Objectives

The 9th Sarv-e Simin International Festival of Handicrafts and Traditional Arts, under the theme “Convergence and Cultural Diversity,” aims to achieve a range of strategic goals that enhance the position of handicrafts on both national and global stages. These objectives highlight the importance of traditional crafts as a bridge between heritage and contemporary innovation:

• Raising Awareness of Handicrafts and Traditional Arts
  • Promoting the cultural and economic value of handicrafts as an integral part of national identity.
  • Providing a platform for artisans to showcase their creativity, expertise, and unique skills to a global audience.
• Bringing Handicrafts Closer to People’s Lives
  • Encouraging public participation in preserving and promoting handicrafts through initiatives such as the People’s Choice Award.
  • Adapting traditional crafts to contemporary needs, making them more accessible and relevant in daily life.
• Laying the Foundation for Identity-Based Economic Development
  • Increasing the contribution of handicrafts to national and global markets by fostering trade opportunities.
  • Supporting culturally-rooted artistic productions as a means to achieve sustainable development.
• Enhancing Cultural Prestige and Unity
  • Showcasing the diversity and richness of cultural heritage through handicrafts as a unifying element among different communities.
  • Establishing handicrafts as a symbol of national identity in international interactions.
• Fostering International Collaboration among Artisans
  • Providing opportunities for meaningful exchanges and knowledge-sharing between local and international artisans.
  • Strengthening the presence of Iranian handicrafts in global forums and markets.

Approaches

The approaches of the 9th Sarv-e Simin Festival are aligned with its objectives, emphasizing innovation, intergenerational exchange, and cultural identity while appealing to an international audience:

• Fostering Intergenerational Connections and Global Identity
  • Bridging generations of artisans to ensure the transfer of skills, knowledge, and heritage.
  • Highlighting the work of emerging artists through initiatives like Tomorrow’s Icon and Emerging Innovators, ensuring the continuity of the art form.
  • Showcasing traditional crafts in innovative formats that resonate with global trends and audiences.
• Promoting Cultural Diversity as a Catalyst for Global Unity
  • Positioning Iran’s cultural diversity as a gateway to international dialogue and collaboration.
  • Presenting works that embody the unity and cultural richness of Iranian heritage while fostering cross-cultural connections with international participants.
• Creating Opportunities for Innovation and Excellence
  • Encouraging creativity in the design and production of handicrafts to meet modern demands and global market standards.
  • Establishing benchmarks for excellence through the recognition of exceptional works that combine traditional techniques with contemporary innovation.

A Global Celebration of Creativity and Heritage

These objectives and approaches position the 9th Sarv-e Simin Festival as a platform for celebrating the universal language of craftsmanship. By promoting innovation, cultural exchange, and artistic excellence, the festival seeks to preserve the timeless value of traditional arts while charting new pathways for their relevance in a modern, interconnected world. Through this initiative, participants contribute to the shared goal of elevating handicrafts as a global treasure.