| About Kyrgyzstan | |
|
Kyrgyzstan gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Located in Central Asia with a population of 4.5 million, it is now a democratic country. It borders Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Ninety percent of Kyrgyzstan's territory is located higher than 1500 meters above sea level. Because of the country's mountainous landscape, the main industries are hydroelectric power, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Kyrgyzstan's great tradition of sheep breeding continues and the wool produced is utilized in many ways. One of the greatest treasures of Kyrgyzstan is the life found within the legacy of wool handicrafts used traditionally by the nomads of Kyrgyzstan. |
|
Kyrgyzstan is a country crisscrossed by the mighty ranges of the Tien-Shan and Pamir Alai, by turbulent rivers, high mountain lakes (of which the emerald blue Lake Issyk-Kul rivals in its beauty the renowned lakes of Switzerland) and by the rich green pasture lands which all contribute to Kyrgyzstan's unique charm. These natural conditions and rich ethnic history have transformed into folk art which has become an integral part of Kyrgyz life. Over the centuries, artisans have created ornaments (representing the natural elements from the mountains and rivers to the wild animals found in their natural environs in Kyrgyzstan) and worked with the vivid local colors which has given their handicrafts brightly defined national identity. |
|
 About "Kyrgyz Style"
|
|
The Center for Development of Traditional and Contemporary Culture "Kyrgyz Style", an officially registered NGO in the Kyrgyz Republic, began its work in 1993 under the name "Talent Support Fund". The basic mission of Kyrgyz Style is the support of civil and cultural initiatives in the spheres of culture, education and social development. A priority area is supporting the national handicrafts of Kyrgyzstan. From 1994 to 1997 the American organisation "Aid to Artisans", worked most fruitfully with our artisan members in the context of their program with the artisans of Central Asia. Since then the organisation of series of training programs for craft groups has become a regular aspect of Kyrgyz Style's work. Since 1994 Kyrgyz Style has been working with artisans from all regions of Kyrgyzstan (Issyk-Kul, Chui, Naryn, Osh), training groups of national masters and rendering support in the following areas:- 1. Organizing communities and groups of artisans 2. Organizing exhibitions and fairs in Bishkek 3. Promoting participation in regional exhibitions and fairs (in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia) 4. Conducting practical seminars and consultations 5. Establishing links with organizations supporting handicrafts 6. Finding buyers for craft groups 7. Providing export services, including the following:
9. Inviting international experts to provide training in:
1. Organizing groups of artisans into small businesses 2. Organizing the artisan's work and his / her timetable 3. The correct use of raw materials and other local resources 4. Product pricing 5. Design, colour combination and pattern composition 6. Practical training This is supplemented by more detailed training in the practical use of materials: 1. The classification of materials and their applications 2. The use of traditional patterns in modern design 3. Product quality 4. Participation in exhibitions and fairs 5. Labelling and packaging 6. Practical lessons In addition there are workshops on products for the international market: 1. The requirements of the international market 2. Product pricing 3. New designs; choice of colours 4. Basic requirements for export products 5. Natural dyeing using local minerals (practical lessons and seminars) For further information please contact: Anara Kerimbekova Director, Center for Development of Traditional and Contemporary Culture "Kyrgyz Style" Bokonbaeva Str., Apt.12, 133 Bishkek Kyrgyzstan Tel/Fax: +996 3312 621267 E-mail: kyrgyzstyle@infotel.kg Website: http://www.kyrgyzstyle.kg |
