Transforming the Craft Industry in Myanmar
Highlights
Location
Myanmar
Duration
2018–2027
Total Beneficiaries
2,309 Artisans
In partnership with
In a pivotal partnership, Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Turquoise Mountain are driving the "Transforming the Craft Industry in Myanmar" project. This initiative empowers artisans, restores heritage landmarks, and fosters sustainable economic opportunities for Myanmar’s craftsmen and craftswomen, with a focus on women and refugee artisans.
Empowering Myanmar Artisans
Key Focus Areas
- Skill Development: Training in weaving, jewelry-making, and conservation techniques.
- Market Access: Connecting artisans to global buyers and high-end markets.
- Women Empowerment: Supporting women artisans to lead and thrive in their communities.
Creating Job Opportunities through Restoration Projects
The restoration of Myanmar’s heritage landmarks, such as historic teak villas, preserves cultural heritage while creating employment opportunities. These sites serve as training hubs for aspiring builders, teaching conservation techniques and fostering economic growth. Restored landmarks, like the Cultural Art and Design Centre, symbolize national pride and provide platforms for artisans to showcase their work.
Achievements of 2024
In 2024, the project achieved significant milestones, transforming lives and preserving Myanmar’s cultural heritage:
- Financial Empowerment: Turquoise Mountain Myanmar facilitated over USD 254,000 in sales for refugee artisans, providing a vital source of income and affirming their resilience.
- Master Artisan Incubation Program: 7 master artisans were enrolled in a program designed to achieve financial self-sufficiency, fostering leadership and innovation.
- Cultural Exchange and International Collaboration: The project initiated a cultural collaboration by merging Saudi designs with Myanmar techniques, creating two collections—Jewelry and Lacquerware—set for production in 2025.
Looking Forward
As the "Transforming the Craft Industry in Myanmar" project progresses toward its 2027 goal, its impact continues to grow. Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and Turquoise Mountain remain committed to empowering artisans, preserving Myanmar’s cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable economic growth. The introduction of international collaborations, such as the Saudi-Myanmar design collections, highlights the project’s global reach and cultural significance. By nurturing talent and restoring heritage, this initiative is shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for Myanmar’s artisans.
Success Stories
Artisans Succeeding Despite the Pandemic
Pi Hram Hliang is a 43-year-old Hakha Chin who lives in the isolated capital of Chin State, Hakha.
Over the past year she has developed advanced weaving skills and taken on a leadership role in her community, passing on technical and design skills to other women weavers.
passing on technical and design skills to other weavers who have very limited access to markets and raw materials, as well as a limited array of products to offer the market – Pi Hram Hliang is used to weaving traditional skirts, using available synthetic yarns.
Since May 2019 Pi Hram Hliang has been working on 100% silk fabrics for headboards for a 5* Hotel in Yangon, inspired by a local heritage textile. “Before I started working on the silk pieces, I heard some weavers in our training group saying that silk weaving is difficult. But for me, I agreed to weave for this project because if I could weave this successfully, we will be able to revive the silk weaving, which has almost disappeared.”
Pi Hram Hliang has been leading design training for the silk headboard fabrics to nineteen other weavers in her community – she’s an expert. She also attended a business training which inspired her to set up her own business.
Turquoise Mountain will be working closely with her to support her through the start-up phase. “After attending the Myanmar Artisan Toolkit training, I am highly motivated to start my own business using the skills that I learned in the training, but I would still need the support and helping hands that could guide me along the journey.”
