House of Crafts opened in Sarajevo

“House of Crafts” was opened on 24. October 2013. in Sarajevo, a multi functional centre with the main purpose to promote and conservation of precious traditional crafts, defining Sarajevo and its history for centuries.

This centre is significant contribution to conservation of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Baščaršija, while it also enriches the tourist offer of the city.

Opening the „House of Crafts“ abassador of Republic Italia in BiH, Ruggero Corrias, expressed his pride in representing the government of his country when it comes to such intelligent projects, giving hope to young people. „We remain devoted to House of Crafts and will make further effort to support it, so it can take the role of the centre for preservation of the old crafts and integral part of cultural and turistic offer of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina“, said the ambassador in his speech.

Uniqueness of „House of crafts“, address Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 55, at the hart of the old city, is contained in the fact that this centre gathers under one roof what is seemingly impossible – complete history of Sarajevo craftsman.

Multi-functional character of “House of Crafts” is also reflected in the planned activities: certification of craftsman, promotional and marketing activities, informative exhibition and educational program, and sales of products and services.

Therefore, this centre has promotional, as well as educational function. As the educational centre, „House of Crafts“ supports the transmission from experienced craftsmen to younger generations, as well as establishment of cooperation between craftsmen and modern designers, to explore together possible integration of traditional motives and symbols into modern design.

---

All items exhibited and available at the „House of Crafts“ are the result of work of experienced craftsmen from Baščaršija (Sarajevo Old town) and their cooperation with students of Arts academies from three cities – Sarajevo, Široki Brijeg and Trebinje, which was established under the same project.

“Opening of the House of Crafts is not the end, but rather it is the beginning of the beautiful journey at which we will work together with partners on preservation of the traditional crafts, as well as on their promotion”, said Silvana Grispino, director of the Oxfam office in BiH, during her opening speech.

Promotional task of the „House of Crafts“ is to promote old crafts through regular program, to local population, as well as to tourists and all visitors of  the centre in general.

This unique, live museum aims to provide visitors with special insight in the skills perfected through many generations. Within „House of Crafts“ regular mobile exhibitions of different crafts will be held, such as goldsmiths, tinsmiths, shoemakers and similar.

“House of Crafts” in Sarajevo is part of the project “Development of Cultural Tourism in Mostar and Skopje”, implemented by International non-governmental organization Oxfam, office in Sarajevo, under the SeeNet programme, and in cooperation with local partners: Municipality Stari Grad Sarajevo, canton Sarajevo and City of Sarajevo, but most importantly with local craftsman.