The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is hosting the Hirfati Summer Camp, where 50 Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, ages 8 to 18, will receive instruction in the ancient Emirati trade of talli, a type of textile handicraft distinguished by vibrant colours and distinctive designs.
A brand-new summer camp has recently begun in Sharjah, allowing young Emirati girls and teenagers the opportunity to immerse themselves in both traditional and modern crafts.
The young people practise their weaving and embroidery techniques on bags that will subsequently be shown as a part of an open exhibition.
The programme, instructed by artist Shaikha Ali Al Naqbi, aims to encourage youth to obtain practical experience with a variety of activities, fusing Emirati traditions with contemporary approaches.
The camp, which is being held in the Al Heera Children Center, is a continuation of Irthi’s efforts to foster the next generation of designers and artists while preserving Emirati tradition and skills.
“Traditional crafts are a terrific method to develop the interests of the young generation in the cultural history of the country and enhance their creativity and talents as artists,” said Amal Bin Khatim, senior executive of Irthi. In an effort to increase participants’ understanding of important environmental concerns including sustainability and conservation techniques, the Hirfati Summer Camp also encourages them to repurpose discarded objects or materials into lovely works of art that incorporate traditional aspects.
Irthi, a Sharjah-based organisation, is committed to maintaining Emirati hand-weaving methods. It is a subsidiary of the Nama Women Advancement Establishment and works to preserve traditional crafts from the Middle East that have been handed down through the generations.
On August 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public can view a display of the camp’s work at Sharjah’s Al Heera Children Center.