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oral traditions and traditional practices in
new artistic and cultural commodities, thus
contributing to the rejuvenation and enrichment
of contemporary Cypriot cultural creation.
In September 2015 and under the title
Lefkaritiko
Embroidery Lace, Modi and Modulations: Seeking
the Revival, the Recreation and the Conversion
of ICH
, the Cyprus National Commission for
UNESCO, in cooperation with the Municipality
of Lefkara and the Association for the Production
and Promotion of Lefkaritiko Embroidery Lace,
organisedaLefkaritikoEmbroideryLaceworkshop
for the thirdyear running.Theworkshopwas joined
by 20 creators and artists of visual and applied arts.
It included individual and group lessons, lectures
and tours of religious, cultural and commercial
areas and buildings in the community, including the
local Museum of Traditional Embroidery &Silver-
Smithing (Patsalos Residence) and the Lefkara
Handicrafts Centre.
One of the event’s aims was for participants
to meet, interact and learn first-hand from the
experienced embroiderers of Lefkara, but also
to go on to create some original material which
would reflect and utilise the elements of the art of
the Lefkara laces, and by doing so to contribute
to the promotion and maintenance of the tradition,
and to broadening and converting it into new
artistic and cultural commodities.
The tradition of Lefkaritiko Embroidery Lace,
one that has been submitted to continuous review
and reinvention, a feature of their existence in
space and time, encompasses the wonderful
abilities and unexpected perspectives of human
thought and creativity. Awareness of its dynamic,
and understanding its parameters, one can foster
knowledge and innovation; two key factors to
ensure its sustainable development. We hope that
the dedication, passion and new and exciting ideas
of the creators and embroiderers who participated
in the Workshop will draw attention to the value
of the specific art of embroidery, and mobilise
more people to protect and promote Cyprus’ rich
cultural heritage.
Lefkaritiko Embroidery Lace, Modi and Modulations Exhibition, Artist Nicoletta
Christodoulou © 2015, CyNatComN.Louca
Untitled, oil on canvas, 80x60cm,
by Vaso Thoupou © 2015, Cyprus
National Commission for UNESCO
Untitled, oil on canvas, 25x25cm,
by Vaso Thoupou © 2015,
Cyprus National Commission for
UNESCO