Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 : Kerala Arts and Crafts Village near Kovalam has won the International Craft Award 2021 for the best craft village in the world.
The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is an organization established by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society for the State Tourism Department, a press release said here Today.
The International Craft Awards were launched in 2017 to honor organizations, councils, governments, teachers, artists, designers and individuals around the world who have made significant contributions to the sustainable and comprehensive development of the handicraft industry.
The award received by KACV is the only award India has received in the non-individual category. Last year’s Village of the Year was Kraf Komuniti Ku in Malaysia.
The awards were decided by a jury of delegates from all continents, chaired by World Crafts Council International President Saad Hani Al-Khudumi.
The members were Queen Azizah of Malaysia, the President, Vice President and Advisors of the Craft Councils of Asia-Pacific, South America, North America, Europe, Africa, and the International Committee, as well as representatives of key institutions in the field.
The institutions that have developed sustainable development models in the field of handicrafts are the Georgia Arts and Cultural Center, the Realistic Attraction (SDN. BHD) of Malaysia and the Japanese company Shozu Shikko.
Craft Icon of the Year is Chandramali Liyangane of the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka. The award for the Sustainable Development and Social Inclusion in the Handicrafts Sector is given to the Malaysian Prison Department.

Shahrbanoo Arabian from Iran and Dalavayi Kullayappa from India were selected as Craft Persons of the Year.
Zohra Said of Morocco and Ismairo Ismael from Mexico were chosen as the Craft Designers of the Year.
The Next Generation Craft Designers of the year are Qiling Zhang of China and Mubin Khatri of India. The Master Artisans in both men and women are both Indians – Amita Sachdeva and Mubarik Khatri.
As Craft Brands of the Year in the Shoes, Lifestyle, Jewelery, Fashion and Luxury and Furniture categories, House of Toramally, Jaipur Rugs, Mandala, Gaurang Shah and Ashiesh Shah were selected respectively.(UNI)