Smithsonian Artisan Initiative

Promoting Women Artisans in Central Asia

Central Asia is a large region comprised of five republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—spanning from the Caspian Sea, across Russia’s south, to China’s western border. The area has a long and complex history with various rulers, empires, and borders. But in the face of sudden great change, the people of Central Asia have protected their cultural heritage and craft practices, even when it has been dangerous to do so. Within the post-Soviet era, the world has seen their cultures flourish with the reemergence and reimagining of traditional craft.

Beginning in 2021, the Cultural Vitality Program collaborated with partners in Central Asia to document the craft practices of fifty women-run artisan enterprises across the region. We sought to promote and connect craftworkers to new audiences and market opportunities. Through virtual and in-person programming, our team fostered a sustainable network for women across borders. The artisans brought diversity of background and craft, which included felting, embroidery, leather working, weaving, and more.

The project culminated in 2024 with the publication of Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey, a bilingual print and digital resource, available in English and Russian, that showcases the knowledge and skills of women craftworkers, fostering a deeper awareness and appreciation of their crafts for both local and global audiences.

Research Team

A woman wearing a white top, beaded necklace, and pink head covering stands outdoors, smiling.

Aizhan Bekkulova
Director, Union of Artisans of Kazakhstan

A woman wearing a black long sleeved top and a small pendant necklace stands indoors, smiling.

Alisha Shalakhmentova
Program Coordinator, Union of Artisans of Kazakhstan

In the foreground, a lineup of mannequins each with colorful embroidered garments. At the end of the line, out of focus, a woman dresses a mannequin. — Madina Akhmetova, an artisan from Kazakhstan featured in the new lookbook, is from the Beisbekov family of artists and artisans who run a gallery, school, and studio in the city Shymkent.
Photo courtesy of Alexey Malchenko

Partners

Key Activities

A group of 11 artisans standing together on a gray background and bright orange floor. — With support from senior advisor Lesli Robertson, artisans participated in Creativeworld, the world’s largest trade fair.
Photo courtesy of Ashkhen Khudaverdyan

Creativeworld 2023

Our team tailored the programming to equip artisans with essential skills and knowledge to excel at trade fairs. In addition to online workshops, in February 2023, the project’s senior advisor, Lesli Robertson, conducted an in-person training in Frankfurt, Germany, in preparation for Creativeworld, the world’s largest trade fair for artists and hobbyists. She also coached and supported the participants throughout the event.

A close-up of a woman's hands weaving an intricate design. — Kazakhstan artisan Mereke Aidarsha weaving.
Photo by Alexey Malchenko.

Coaching Program

In May 2023, Robertson conducted a three-day coaching session for the artisans about how to use the upcoming lookbook and self-documentation as effective means for promoting craft practices to new markets. With more than thirty participants in each session, these opportunities focused on practical skills in drafting, adapting, and implementing marketing strategies.

Two women wearing patterned, loose fitting garments sit together embroidering. They are both smiling. — Munira Akilova (right) is an artist from Tajikistan who is featured in the lookbook. She leads the Ozara Company, which produces national clothes and home textiles decorated with hand embroidery and works with a team of women who use the traditional bosma embroidery technique to create the intricate work.
Photo courtesy of Alisher Primkulov

Lookbook Publication

In March 2024, the team published Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey, a bilingual print and digital resource available in English and Russian that highlights the fifty women craftworkers from Central Asia who participated in the program. During the Awareness Workshop, hosted prior to the lookbook’s publication, participants learned best practices for how to use the resource.