UNESCO Brings Award-Winning Folk Art to the 2010 Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Monday, July 05, 2010

Contact: Clare Hertel
505-474-6783

Basketry, made in Malaysia from the pandanus plant, is but one example of the traditional folk art forms that will be present in the UNESCO Award of Excellence Southeast Asian booth at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market in July.

July 2010 Santa Fe – For the seventh consecutive year the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will bring award-winning folk art to the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.  “UNESCO was one of the first sponsors of the Market when it came into being seven years ago,” says Charlene Cerny, Director of the Market. “ They have allowed us to tap into their tremendous knowledge about how folk art can bring both cultural preservation and economic sustainability to these artists and their communities.”

The Award of Excellence program is UNESCO’s flagship program for handicrafts, honoring artists from around the globe. New this year will be work from Mongolia, Korea, and China. Chinese dolls and embroideries, Korean kites, and Mongolian textiles, felted shoes, and hats are among the pieces that will be for sale at the 2010 Market. The work has been judged for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, eco-friendliness, marketability, and social responsibility. 
There will be 3 Award of Excellence Booths at the 2010 Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.
 The countries featured in the 3 booths are from the following regions and represented by the organizations listed below:

South Asian Region Countries (SARC), Representative: Manjari Nirula Vice President of Craft Council of India. Representing work from the following countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal

AHPADA ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association, Representative: Edric Ong. Representing work from the following countries: Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Mongolia, Korea, and China

Central Asia Crafts Support Association, Representative: Roza Zhussapova, President, CACSA, Kazakhstan. Representing work from the following countries: Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazahkstan

Also, throughout the Market artists that have won the prestigious award will have special yellow banners displayed at their booths.  For a complete list go to: http://www.folkartmarket.org/index.php/about/C124/

In addition, the United Nations has proclaimed 2010 the “International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.” The Folk Art Market is featured in the UN calendar of events to support that effort.

UNESCO generously supports this program, in partnership with the Division of Cultural Expressions and Creative Industries.

###

In addition, below are listed 13 additional artists participating in the Market who have received the AWARD in the past:

Recipients from South Asia
Bashir Ahmad Jan, Weaving and Embroidery - India 

Abdullah Mohamedhussain Khatri, Tie and dye (bandhani) - India 

Siju Shamji Vishram, Weaving – India 

Ghulam Sarwar, Truck Art - Pakistan

Recipients from Southeast Asia
Bangie Anak Embol, Basket Weaving – Malaysia

Nancy Anak Ngali, Weaving – Malaysia

Recipients from Central Asia
Serzhan Bashirov, Jewelry – Kazakhstan
Erkebu Djumagulova, Felt Work - Kyrgyzstan

Rustam Usmanov, Blue Rishtan Ceramic Pottery - Uzbekistan 

Fatullo Kendjaev, Silk and Wool Natural Dyed Carpets - Uzbekistan

Zarina Kendjaeva, Suzani Embroidered Textiles on Silk and Cotton - Uzbekistan 

Rasuljon Mirzaahmedov, Hand Woven Ikat - Uzbekistan

Recipients from Latin America
Alba Rosa Sepúlveda Tapia, Weaving (Horse Hair) - Chile