In an interview with Al Masry Al Youm, Cléa Daridan, head of arts and culture at Community Jameel, discusses the benefits of preserving traditional Egyptian handicrafts to cultural identity, livelihoods and sustainable creative practices.
In reference to the Jameel House in Cairo programme — which had trained over 200 artists in traditional crafts since 2009 — she told the newspaper:
“They are working to protect traditional arts from extinction by focusing on the philosophy of ‘harmony’, which is rooted in using natural materials, enabling humans to create without consuming or spoiling nature.”
“Preserving these arts requires collaboration between students, trainers, government agencies and supporting institutions to ensure their continuity and transmission to future generations.”