15th National Handicrafts Exhibition opens in Kermanshah
The 15th National Handicrafts Exhibition officially opened on Monday, November 10, in Kermanshah.
At the opening ceremony, Maryam Jalali, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism in charge of handicrafts and traditional arts, expressed hope that “family upbringing and the arts nurtured within families will ultimately contribute to the country’s development.”
She noted that development is built on three key concepts — welfare, satisfaction, and meaning — all of which are essential for true progress. “These are values deeply rooted in Iranian culture,” she emphasized, according to chtn.ir.
Jalali added, “In every vessel, garment, musical note, tablecloth, curtain, and carpet, there lies a meaning — and it is the artisans who create and carry these meanings.”
She further expressed hope that, with the help of the younger generation, such exhibitions would serve as a bridge connecting today’s creative efforts to a brighter future for Iran.
Meanwhile Bahram Soleimani, Deputy Governor of Kermanshah for Political and Security Affairs, stated that, “Artists working in the field of handicrafts are, in fact, preserving and revitalizing our Iranian and historical identity.”
He stressed the need to establish mechanisms that would both enhance recognition of handicrafts and make them economically viable. “Developing the handicrafts industry not only contributes to Kermanshah’s economic prosperity but also showcases our cultural strength,” Soleimani said.
He went on to explain that, given trade and commerce are key drivers of Kermanshah’s development, the province should harness the potential of the private sector alongside government support to revitalize the handicrafts sector. “Promoting and facilitating the export of Iranian handicrafts is another area that must be emphasized in future planning,” he added.
Dariush Farmani, Director General of Kermanshah Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization announced that artists from 30 provinces across the country are participating in this year’s exhibition, which features a total of 233 pavilions allocated to artisans. “All 14 cities of Kermanshah Province are taking part with 37 pavilions,” he said.
Farmani also mentioned that about 100 handicraft artists from across Iran have traveled to Kermanshah to attend the event, 60 of whom are women. Additionally, 116 local artists from Kermanshah are showcasing their works.
He added that, in addition to the main pavilions, 17 have been allocated to supportive institutions such as the Welfare Organization, Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Municipality, Department of Sports and Youth, and the Basij Organization of Artists to assist and promote artists with special conditions.
Farmani noted that the exhibition will run from November 10 to 14 at the Kermanshah International Exhibition Center, open to visitors daily from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
He also invited the people of Kermanshah to visit the exhibition, announcing that on Thursday and Friday, the visiting hours will be extended from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.