Decorative-applied Arts
Decorative-applied Arts
Handicraft developed in Uzbekistan from century to century, leaving unique products of the unknown foremen with rich arts, imaginations and perfection in Uzbek heritage. Due to the changes of social and economic conditions, handicrafts gradually became the second after industrial productions on an extent of 20th century.
Nowadays, in Uzbekistan enormous attention is rendered towards national foremen in the field. The careful attitude towards the traditional cultural values became one of the main ranks of state policy. The revival of handicraft traditions was part of a logical progress, derived from the aspiration to preserve the national culture.
In the last years, the government adopted several laws related to the revival of national handicrafts and traditions. A number of the national artists were elected as the academicians of the Academy of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan. A title "0'zbekiston Respublikasi khalq ustasi" legislatively authorized with Faskhitdin Dadamukhammedov becoming the first handicraft to be called so. At the research and production center "Mitsavvir" (artist) the association of the national artists "Khunarmand" (skillful craftsman) was formed, the divisions of which operates nationwide. The main aim of these organizations is restoration of forgotten section of art history, assistance to the handicraftsmen in manufacturing and sales of production.
Moreover, the handicraftsmen were assisted by several international funds and organizations, which became possible due to the open state policy.
The organization of various international festivals and fairs became traditional under aegis of the state organizations. These fairs stimulate growth of craft manufacture, promote a rank by experience, and define the market. In 1995, in the first large fair was organized under the supervision of the UN. This initiative was also supported by several other international organizations interested in the development of tourism and economy of the newly independent states. On an extent of a number of years the UN Project "Cultural-educational tourism and handicraft development" and Project "Aid to the handicraftsmen" of the Counterpart Consortium, operated in Uzbekistan, which rendered significant support to the national artists.
One of the recent actions by the UN Project as an aid to the handicraftsmen was the sale-exhibition, namely "Craft products of Uzbekistan" held in November 1998.
