Using crafts to heal the scars of conflict
RAWALPINDI: In the aftermath of any disaster or conflict, rebuilding homes is seen as the most important way to restore normalcy to any ravaged community. But the rehabilitation of the people who will occupy these new homes; those who have to live with trauma, is just as essential for normalisation as material assistance.
It was in this spirit that the National College of Arts (NCA) in Rawalpindi hosted ‘Value of Culture in Conflict’, an exhibition based on a research project that aimed to promote “income generation through culturally relevant craft activities which lead to poverty alleviation and, in the long run, the reconstruction of a conflict-worn state and economy”.
By promoting the engagement of women from conflict-stricken areas, this project aims at imparting skills that allow them to generate income, which makes the reconstruction process easier.
Exhibit at NCA Rawalpindi showcases embroidery by women from villages along LoC
Inaugurated by Federal Minister for Education Balighur Rehman, the exhibit was a rare display of research-based academic work by the art school, which has undergone a transformation in recent months. Housed in the newly-built academic block, the exhibit was tastefully displayed making full use of the space available.
Dr. Neelam Raina from the Middlesex University’s Department of Design, who led this project, explained the ethos behind her work.