The Craft Village: Islamabad

Indus Heritage has strived to create a space for all likeminded organizations and individuals involved in the promotion of craft to come together. To achieve that goal, Indus Heritage initiated a craft village for the promotion and preservation of Pakistan’s cultural heritage with a special focus on regional embroideries.

An area of 26 acres in Islamabad was earmarked for the project to provide a snapshot of the cultural identity of Pakistan. The vision was to create an artisanal hub of innovation and inspiration in order to showcase the indigenous local handcrafts. The village featured clusters of sixty craft shops for artisans to showcase products from their regions, exhibition halls, a gallery for young artists to display their artwork and a design facility to teach artisans about new designs and color combinations. The village also introduced a food court for visitors to experience local foods, accommodation for artists that were passing by and an amphitheater for the performing arts. The craft village served as a platform for Pakistan’s cultural heritage and provided Islamabad with a unique experience, ultimately creating a demand for Pakistan’s traditional products. The facility promised to provide local and visiting international artists with an affordable space for them to showcase and promote their work. The village was an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the unique traditions of Pakistan – one that can be shared by individuals and organizations that have made valuable contributions to preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural legacy.