Amman: Turquoise Mountain marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 10 years of impactful operations in Jordan and 20 years since its global inception. The event took place at its Institute for Design, Crafts and Economic Development in Amman, drawing the presence of representatives from official, diplomatic, and cultural institutions.
According to Jordan News Agency, the celebration highlighted Turquoise Mountain's partnership with the French Embassy in Jordan through the "Preserving Heritage: A Key Driver for Sustainable Economic Development" project. This initiative supports cultural heritage while generating employment and development opportunities in Jordan's creative sector, funded by a £1 million grant from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
At the ceremony, Turquoise Mountain President Shoshana Stewart emphasized the significance of long-term investment in artisans, traditional crafts, and heritage-based development. She reflected on the organization's impact over two decades globally and a decade in Jordan, portraying cultural heritage as a vital link connecting communities and generations. Stewart also discussed the necessity of local and international partnerships for sustaining initiatives that aim to preserve and develop cultural heritage.
French Ambassador Franck Gellet addressed the project's potential in overcoming economic challenges in the region, particularly focusing on high unemployment rates among youth, women, and refugees. He highlighted traditional crafts as a vital tool for economic development, social inclusion, and preserving cultural identity. Gellet further elaborated on how merging craft heritage with innovation and contemporary design can transform cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities, thereby ensuring the growth of traditional professions.
Additionally, Turquoise Mountain's Jordan representative, Salma Qatawneh, reviewed the organization's collaborative efforts with Jordanian, Syrian, and Palestinian artisans and communities. She emphasized the role of design, crafts, and cultural heritage in creating sustainable livelihoods and expanding economic prospects. Qatawneh reiterated the organization's dedication to supporting and evolving traditional crafts through contemporary design, enhancing market access, and fostering creative collaborations between artisans and designers.