The Creative Industries Development Fund (CDF) has announced the results of the national project "School of National Crafts," aimed at preserving, reviving, and passing on traditional Kazakh crafts to the younger generation.
During the open competitive selection process, 330 applications were received from artisans across all regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. After technical processing and eliminating duplicate applications, the selection committee reviewed 271 applications.
Following the competitive selection process, 10 top artisans were selected, who will soon begin implementing the educational program at the Qazaq Creative Hub in Astana. They will teach children and young people aged 8 to 20, sharing traditional techniques and secrets of national craftsmanship.
An analysis of the applications revealed the project's broad geographic reach. Craftsmen from the southern regions of the country demonstrated the greatest activity, with 137 applications received, accounting for 51% of the total. The most popular area was traditional textile arts and felting, with 121 applications (44.6%). Significant interest was also generated by decorative and applied arts and ethnic decor, with 42 applications (15.5%), the production of national clothing and accessories, with 31 applications (11.4%), and jewelry, with 20 applications (7.4%).