Sarawak Craft Council to have new HQ
Kuching is set to get a new one-stop craft centre, serving as the Sarawak Craft Council Headquarters and a dedicated gallery for local products.
According to Borneo Post, State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced the centre will be strategically located behind the Sikh Temple, near the Borneo Cultures Museum, making it a central hub for craft activities.
This puts the proposed building in the Old quarter of Kuching, strategically located within many of Kuching’s tourist attractions as well as the up-coming HIKMAH Exchange ART station.
Construction is expected to take two years, with the council’s temporary office operating out of the Sarawak Steamship Building.
While the cost and start date remain undisclosed, Abdul Karim also revealed plans for a new Sarawak Craft Festival to promote local artisans, potentially starting next year.
To streamline efforts, all craft centres in Sarawak will come under the council’s purview, encouraging registration for benefits like funding and marketing support.
The council also aims to boost global visibility by assisting artisans with online marketing and international event participation, emphasizing the uniqueness of Sarawakian crafts.
News source: Borneo Post
Sarawak’s Vibrant Craft Heritage
Sarawak boasts a rich tapestry of traditional crafts, reflecting its diverse indigenous cultures. Among the most popular is the iconic Pua Kumbu, intricate hand-woven textiles by the Iban people, renowned for their complex patterns and spiritual significance.
Beadwork is another hallmark, with Orang Ulu and Bidayuh artisans creating stunning necklaces, accessories, and decorative items. Rattan weaving produces a variety of practical and beautiful baskets and mats, like the Bidayuh Tambok and Penan baskets.
Additionally, exquisite wood carvings, traditional pottery, and unique ethnic headgear showcase the ingenuity and artistic flair passed down through generations of Sarawakian craftspeople.
You can buy these beautiful Sarawak craft online HERE.
