The much delayed project of Art and Crafts Village worth Rs 200 million established at Shara-e-Kashmir, next to Rose and Jasmine Garden, is set to be inaugurated with in a month as the process of hiring staff for its management was almost completed.
Started in 2006, the village was planned to be completed in the time span of 2 years and the CDA had announced its inauguration date several times since 2008 (the actual time of its completion), but the lack of management kept its opening awaited for artists and art lovers. The place was being considered as a hub of promoting cultural activities in the capital, covering 20 acres of land with 22 beautiful buildings, established to attract maximum tourists and local visitors.
"The Capital Development Authority will complete the hiring of staff till November 21, while 30 artisans have been selected for setting up their stalls within 15 days, displaying their traditional arts and crafts without the involvement of a middle man," an official of CDA told APP. "The house of 22 buildings will be a major attraction for people to have glimpses of the dying arts and crafts from different regions of the country," he added.
The place will also provide residence for the artisans from around the country to bring their contributions to sustain Pakistan's cultural heritage and create a market to the patrons of traditional crafts. "This effort will promote traditional crafts and textiles with the provision of dignity and independence to artisans and also opportunities to generate income for them," he said.
The concept of village emphasises the development of a place for showcasing traditional Pakistani craftsmanship and heritage, also serving as a recreational place for the visitors. The CDA has used natural materials and indigenous motifs to ensure a rustic and common appearance for the site to provide dwellers of the capital with a 'snapshot' of cultural diversity of Pakistan, illustrating the conventional crafts.
"Through this village, the capital will have a unique shopping and entertainment experience through building the demand for traditional products, and also support artisans with fair retail marketing outlets," he remarked.
Featuring a cluster of craft shops, children park area, residence of craftsmen, student hostel, green areas, food court, design center, research and development center, open-air theater, artists studios and exhibition hall, the Art and Craft Village will also guide students tours from various educational institutions to understand the country's rich cultural heritage.
The official further said that the CDA has also plans to hold cultural activities at the village throughout the year, adding, "there is an exhibition hall and a theater facility to organise visual and performing arts activities on regular basis."