The UNESCO Crafts Prize was established in 1990 as a part of the 10 Year Plan of Action for the Development of Crafts in the World (1990 – 1999). Its purpose is to reward and stimulate the otherwise hidden talent of craftspeople in each region. The prize aims to encourage the creation of original models, promote quality goods outside their original environment and develop the ties between craft and design. This prize is awarded annually to deserving craftspersons in the Asia Pacific Region.

The UNESCO Crafts Prize for Asia and the Pacific Region 2000 was awarded for the third time on the occasion of the Regional Seminar/ Workshop/ Exhibition on “Embroidery: Creativity and Tradition” held in Hyderabad, India, from 4 to 9 January 2001 for embroidery entries from the participating countries of the Asia Pacific Region. The event was organized with the valuable cooperation of the Crafts Council of India. The Award Ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister for Revenue of the State of Andhra Pradesh. It is noteworthy that the stage was decorated for the occasion by hand-embroidered panels made by Indian craftsmen.

The US 10.000 dollas cash prize is awarded by an International Jury to the most outstanding craftspeople, who show great mastery of technique, artistic flair and sense of innovation suitable for the International market. The respect for traditional knowhow and the use of sustainable local materials also serve as determining criteria.

Providing craftspersons with International recognition is another objective of the UNESCO Crafts Prize. This recognition in ensured by the exhibition of their works at UNESCO House (Paris), the publication and dissemination worldwide of a catalogue of prizewinners and a presentation on the UNESCO website.

The UNESCO Crafts Prize for Asia Pacific for the year 2000 was awarded for the best embroidery from the Asia Pacific Region under two categories. 6 prizes – two in each category for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winners were awarded.

The two First Prizes (US 2,500 dollars each) were awarded to:

Mr Bashir Ahmad Jaan (India) for his hand-embroidered shawl, “Jamawar,” of fine single ply Kashmiri Pashmina and silk thread, dyed in fourteen different colours using the “Soznikar” embroidery technique. This especially elaborated masterpiece took Mr Jaan two and a half years to complete. The Jury highly appreciated the mastery of the traditional craftsmanship for an artistic work with contemporary appeal. Ms Kim Taeja (Republic of Korea) for her embroidered folding screen entitled Gilsangdo”, a representative form of silk-thread court embroidery. Integrated in a six-panel screen, the work is a perfect combination of artistic values and technical expression, synthesizing traditional embroidery in a form that is genuinely suited to modern living.

The two Second Prizes ( US 1,500 dollars each ) were awarded to :

Ms Jasiben Meriya (India) for an embroidered panel Tree of Life, of satin and raw silk that incorporates a wide variety of stitches. This technically brilliant work reflects a particular tradition while carrying wide market potential. The Banjara Needle Craft Centre of Andhra Pradesh (India) for a collective work entitled “Baarthero Thaangdi” by eight craftswomen.: Ketawat Lakshmi, Sapawat Kamala, Sapawat Sakri, Sapawat Angoori, Sapawat Devi, Sapawat Suguna, Sapawat Darjan and Sapawat Kamala. The Jury appreciated the highly contemporary nature of this work made of a variety of traditional stitches and motifs embellished with pieces of jewellery.

The two Third Prizes (US 1,000 dollars each) were awarded to:

Ms Sufia Begum (Bangladesh) for her work entitled Life and Nature, a combination of different knotted stitches and traditional and contemporary motifs. Any work of such dimensions and overall quality of embroidery can be easily adapted to the needs of an international market. Mrs. Hatice Maçkaya (Turkey) for a refined table cover of bursa linen and embroidered silk. This work illustrates how a revival of the traditional Ottoman embroidery can confidently face the international craft market.

Honorary mentions were given to:

		Ms Amena Begum (Bangladesh) for her Bride’s Departure
		Ms Dima Macalalag De Ramos (Philippines) for her Panuelo
		Mr Davletov Ilhom (Uzbekistan) for his Suzane Carpets