The first day of classes at the free "School of National Crafts," initiated by the Creative Industries Development Fund, has begun in Astana. The project has brought together 208 children from across Kazakhstan, who have already begun mastering traditional crafts under the guidance of the country's best artisans.
From the very first lesson, an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration permeates the workshops. Participants learn the basics of pottery, jewelry, felting, woodworking, and leatherworking, and even try their hand at creating their first handicrafts. Hands-on classes allow children not only to master craft skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
The training is conducted by 10 master mentors who passed a national competitive selection process. A total of 331 applications from artisans across the country were received for the competition, and interest in the project was even greater—the organizers received over 450 applications for training. Following the selection process, 208 children were awarded the free course. From July 27 to August 12, participants will master 10 areas of national crafts, including jewelry making, felting, ceramics, bone carving, carpet weaving, leatherworking, and woodworking. All classes combine theory and practice, allowing children to immerse themselves in the process of creating handicrafts from the very beginning.
The "School of National Crafts" is not only an educational project but also an important platform for preserving and promoting national heritage. This initiative fosters the creative potential of the younger generation, fosters interest in creative industries, and helps build the continuity of traditional craftsmanship, introducing it to new, contemporary forms.