09.08.2026

On 9 August 2026, as part of the 16th edition of Etno Fest in Kukaj Village, Artpolis, in cooperation with Etno Fest and QPDG, organized the workshop “The Handloom and Traditional Practices”, which became a vibrant space for learning, dialogue, and intergenerational exchange.

The workshop generated exceptional interest among participants, who not only had the opportunity to observe women artisans at work but also actively engaged in the process themselves. Participants had the opportunity to try weaving directly on the handloom, experiencing first-hand a traditional practice that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Beyond its practical dimension, the workshop also served as a space for dialogue and collective memory. Through conversations with the women artisans, participants reflected on ways of life in the past, the role of the handloom and traditional handcrafts in family and community life, as well as the changes that have taken place over time. Discussions also explored cultural transformation and how contemporary developments are influencing the preservation and continued practice of traditional crafts.

An important part of the discussion focused on the importance of preserving traditional values and knowledge, as well as the need to pass them on to younger generations. In this sense, the workshop created a direct connection between the experience and knowledge of women artisans and the curiosity of younger participants, transforming cultural heritage from a memory of the past into a meaningful and personal experience.

Another distinctive aspect of the workshop was the relaxing and meditative nature of working on the handloom. Many participants described the experience as calming, relaxing, and therapeutic, offering a moment of disconnection from the pace of everyday life and creating a sense of calm and focus. For some participants, the repetitive and rhythmic process of weaving was experienced as a form of well-being and a positive contribution to their mental well-being.

In addition to the hands-on experience, participants also engaged in the visual documentation of the activity through photography and video, contributing to the promotion of cultural heritage and its dissemination through social media.

This activity was organized within the framework of the “Heritage Horizons: A Journey Across Generations” project by Artpolis, in cooperation with Etno Fest and QPDG, as part of the BOOST Balkans programme, funded by AFD – Agence Française de Développement and coordinated by ALDA Balkans.