The WCC-Award of Excellence for Handicrafts (WCC-AoE) 2024 jurying cycle was successfully held in two regions this year: the WCC-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) and the WCC-Latin America Region (WCC-LATAM). These prestigious awards recognize outstanding craftsmanship while promoting the sustainable continuity of traditional skills.
WCC-AoE 2024 in WCC-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR)
In May 2024, Bukhara, Uzbekistan, hosted the jurying of the WCC-AoE for the Asia Pacific Region, where 87 products were recognized for their excellence out of 160 entries. The awarded items came from the six sub-regions of Asia Pacific: West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, East Asia, South Pacific.
This year’s event was held alongside the Second International Festival of Gold Embroidery and Jewelry in Bukhara, offering a unique platform to showcase the best works of artisans. The jury’s work represented an enriching exchange of ideas, showcasing how traditional skills can evolve and thrive in today’s global markets. The awarded works spanned a wide range of handicrafts, from woven and embroidered textiles to ceramics, wood carvings, metalwork, and glasswork, all exemplifying excellence and craftsmanship in their respective categories.
WCC-AoE 2024 in WCC-Latin America Region (WCC-LATAM)
The WCC-AoE for the Latin America Region took place in April 2024 in Santiago, Chile, coinciding with MICSUR (Southern Cultural Industries Market), a significant cultural event for South America. 16 products were honored with the WCC-AoE in recognition of their craftsmanship. This edition marked the revival of the WCC-AoE in the region, which had been interrupted due to the pandemic.
The jury for this event included professionals and notable experts in the world of crafts and design. The event was organized providing a platform to celebrate the finest South American craftsmanship.
Congratulatory Letters and Certificate Issuance
A congratulatory letter from the President of WCC AISBL, along with newly developed WCC-AoE certificates, has been issued to all awardees. The WCC AISBL Secretariat facilitated the issuance, congratulating all the artisans on their remarkable achievements. An appreciation letter, signed by the President of WCC AISBL, was also sent to the artisans who did not receive awards, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for their valuable contributions and active participation in promoting craftsmanship. The letter also encourages them to participate in the next WCC-AoE cycle in 2026.
Participation in the International Folk Art Market (IFAM) 2025
In addition to the WCC-AoE recognition, all awarded products from the 2024 cycle will have the opportunity to participate in the International Folk Art Market (IFAM) 2025. The IFAM 2025 will be directly and officially coordinated by the WCC AISBL Secretariat and IFAM committee. This exciting partnership between IFAM and WCC AISBL aims to further support artisans and their award-winning products by providing them a prestigious platform to showcase their work to a global audience. Participation in IFAM 2025 offers these artisans a unique chance to expand their market reach, fostering growth and sustainability in the global crafts community.
For more details on the WCC-AoE 2024 and the awarded artisans, please visit WCC-AoE page: www.wccinternational.org/award-of-excellence
This year's cycle not only highlights exceptional talent from across the globe but also reinforces WCC AISBL’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding traditional craftsmanship worldwide.
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