Latest news with #Herfah
Qatar Tribune
08-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Herfah programme to offer traditional crafts experiences
Tribune News Network Doha Following a successful inaugural year that brought together over 200 participants in a celebration and exploration of Qatari artistry and Islamic crafts, the Herfah programme – a collaboration between Qatar Foundation and The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts – will launch its second year in September 2025. The immersive, year-long programme will run from 8am to 2pm every Sunday to Thursday from September 2025 to May 2026, at the historic Al Khater House in Education City. Submissions will be open from July 8 to August 8, and interested candidates can apply and find more information at Herfah's full-time curriculum is organised into three comprehensive terms, with Term 1, held from September to December across 13 weeks, beginning with six weeks of Foundational Modules in Islamic Geometry, Nabati Ornamentation, Drawing for Designers, and Traditional Painting, followed by seven weeks of focused Craft Modules. Term 2, to be held from January to March 2026 for nine weeks, will incorporate two additional weeks of foundational studies, followed by in-depth exploration of traditional crafts such as Ceramics, Woodwork, Textiles, Gypsum Carving, and Decorative Painting. Term 3, taking place across nine weeks from April to May 2026, will be dedicated to final projects that combine the skills and knowledge participants have acquired throughout the year. Interested candidates must be 18 years or older and have prior experience in crafts. They must also complete an online registration form by submitting a personal statement and an assignment titled 'Inspired by Tradition', and include a portfolio showcasing previous creative work – which is optional, but encouraged. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, with final selections announced by end of August 2025. In addition to its core year-long programme, Herfah will continue offering short-term courses and Ramadan workshops, fostering a dynamic, creative, and inclusive space for community learning at Al Khater House.
Arab News
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
In Saudi Arabia's ‘Year of Handicrafts,' passion has no limits
RIYADH: Since Saudi Arabia announced 2025 as the 'Year of Handicrafts,' the industry has seen a significant focus on artisans and artisanal crafts that showcase domestic and international ventures through festivals and programs, leading to a boost in confidence for aspiring craftspeople. For artisan and entrepreneur Sheikha Al-Abdulkarim and her two sisters, their interest in pottery went from a weekend curiosity to a local cultural initiative — one of the many shaping the future of traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia. The idea behind Herfah, which means craft in Arabic, was born out of a love for the ancient clay material as a form of creativity and connection to Saudi heritage. Today, that passion has transformed into a fully fledged venture that trains aspiring artisans, sells handmade ceramic pieces, and helps preserve one of the Kingdom's oldest traditions. 'We weren't thinking about a business at first,' Al-Abdulkarim said. 'It was just something we really wanted to learn. But once we started working with our hands, we realized this was more than a hobby.' In late 2016, the sisters struggled to find pottery workshops in their area, so they contacted an American-Danish ceramic artist who they had discovered online. That decision led to their first intensive training course and sparked a vision they had not imagined: Creating a space in Saudi Arabia where others could learn, experiment and reconnect with the art of pottery. Raised in a home where heritage was part of daily life, Al-Abdulkarim credits her upbringing for planting the seed. She was surrounded by handmade textiles, traditional crafts and a family that valued artistry, but turning passion into something tangible was not easy. 'There weren't many resources,' she said. 'Finding materials, equipment, even knowledge — it was all a challenge. But honestly, that made us more determined.' In 2021, their project Herfah took a turning point when it received backing from Saudi's Cultural Development Fund, or CDF, a key initiative supporting creative projects across the Kingdom. With that funding and guidance, the sisters were able to set up a dedicated workspace in the Eastern Province, invest in tools such as kilns and clay-shaping equipment, and offer structured training programs. 'Having that kind of support changed everything,' Al-Abdulkarim said. 'It allowed us to dream bigger.' She advises any aspiring artisan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are now abundant in Saudi. Including CDF's support programs, the Heritage Commission's Artisan's House program offers training courses that seeks to enhance the skills of Saudi artisans, promote innovative craft designs, and encourage participation in festivals and events that attract tourists and visitors from both within and outside the region. One of the largest annual events in Riyadh is the Saudi International Handicrafts Week — known as Banan — which offers a wealth of live music, interactive experiences and artisanal works from around the world, in addition to Hail's HARFA festival. At Herfah, visitors can take part in workshops, experience hands-on pottery sessions, or simply browse handcrafted pieces that blend traditional design with modern aesthetics. Inclusion is also a priority for the studio, making sure to host sessions for visually impaired participants and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the craft of pottery. Their journey reflects a broader movement burgeoning across the Kingdom that highlights the growing importance of cultural preservation, not only for its heritage value but for its economic potential. The local traditional crafts sector and associated industries have reached an annual market value of SR1.5 billion, according to the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, with efforts to grow that figure through investment and training. But for Al-Abdulkarim, what matters most is that more people are discovering the joy and meaning behind handmade work. What began as a search for a simple pottery class is now a mission to keep an ancient craft alive, one fired kiln at a time. 'Pottery has taught us patience, resilience and how to connect with our roots,' she said. 'Our goal now is to take Herfah further to different cities, different communities, and to show the world what Saudi hands can create.' As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund continues to back creative businesses such as Herfah, helping to shape a sustainable ecosystem for artists, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs alike.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Herfah launches 2nd year of celebratingtraditional Qatari and Islamic craftsmanship
Hanane Djoua Doha After a successful inaugural year of celebrating, promoting, and immersing the community in the richness of Qatari artistry and Islamic crafts, Herfah – a programme delivered through a partnership by Qatar Foundation and The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts – has announced the launch of its second year. The programme – based within Al Khater House, a historic landmark in Education City – will continue to offer its core programming, including the year-long traditional crafts programme, short-term courses, and Ramadan workshops, all of which will be open to the public. As the first year of Herfah came to a close, the creative works of the graduates of its intensive programme were showcased at an event at Al Khater House, which was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. 'Our intention with Herfah was not only to preserve traditional skills, but to create a space where craft becomes a form of education, one that helps restore a deeper sense of value,' said Sheikha Hind. 'The more time we spend working with our hands, the more reverence we develop for what is well made. And in doing so, we come to see the world differently.' Herfah's second-year programme will begin in September, with registration opening in July and selected participants notified by the end of August. Applicants must be aged 18 years or older and have prior experience in crafts, and can enrol at and via Education City and Qatar Foundation social media channels. In addition to the year-long core programmes, a variety of short-term courses will be announced later in the year. In its inaugural year, Herfah engaged over 200 participants in hands-on learning experiences and creative exploration. Among them was Sana Arooj, who said she found the opportunity to explore traditional crafts an enriching experience while gaining a deeper understanding of Qatari culture, especially because of the thoughtful structure and delivery of each module. 'The dedication and effort of everyone involved in teaching the skills were remarkable, and their passion made the learning process more enjoyable and inspiring,' she said. 'Through my sessions, I gained not only technical skills, but also a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and artistic mode. Most importantly, I learned to respect the process. 'Traditional crafts aren't about the final piece. It's about discipline, mindfulness and the journey of creation. It has inspired me to look at my surroundings with a more artistic lens, and to appreciate the beauty in heritage and craftsmanship.' Najiba Haqdost, another participant in Year 1 of the programme, said that being part of Herfah gave her the chance to learn and practise traditional craft skills – things she only had the chance to read about before. 'I spent time working on different projects – from painting using natural pigments to gilding using gold leaves,' she explained. 'I was guided by skilled artists who emphasised not only on the techniques of doing the craft but also on the history and philosophy behind it, which deepened my respect of heritage arts, and inspired me to keep these traditions alive in my own creative journey.' According to Kholoud M. Al Ali, executive director Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation, Herfah aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Qatari and Islamic cultural heritage, while positioning Al Khater House as a dynamic hub for the preservation of tradition, innovation, and a space of learning, discovery, and cultural appreciation. 'The Herfah programme has made significant progress toward realising a vision where history is honoured, knowledge is exchanged, and creativity thrives, and we are excited to continue expanding its impact in the years to come,' Al Ali said. 'Through such initiatives, partnerships and educational programmes, Qatar Foundation plays a vital role in cultural preservation, safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of Qatar and the broader Gulf region. As Qatar Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, these efforts further strengthen the connection between the community and its cultural identity, ensuring that these traditions are celebrated and passed down for future generations,' Al Ali added. Hussein Al Elayan, mental health specialist, told Qatar Tribune: 'I joined the Herfah programme because it is one of the first initiatives of its kind to run for a full year, combining a wide variety of traditional crafts with a culturally rich approach. What particularly drew me in was the programme's focus on art forms rooted in our Arab identity, along with the regular inclusion of international experts. 'The first skill I acquired was the foundational understanding of geometric art—learning how to extract patterns and apply them in cultural and artistic contexts. With a professional background in mental health, I found that the art of carving resonated with me profoundly. It aligns closely with concepts of emotional well-being and can be used as a tool to foster mindfulness and psychological balance. 'What truly distinguishes Herfah is its holistic and sustained nature. It is not just a collection of workshops, but a year-long educational journey delivered through a structured and thoughtful methodology.' Neila Essid, graphic designer, said: 'Honestly, the first time I came across the Herfah programme was on Instagram—they had made a post, and I felt an immediate connection. All of us in the programme explored everything—we tried marquetry, carving, painting, and working with gypsum. Then, toward the end of the program, each participant selected one craft to focus on. It's truly a new kind of programme in Doha. A full-year program? This is the first of its kind. With the certificate, new opportunities can open up. You could start participating in exhibitions or even launch your own project—something that's entirely your own.' Laila Noor, visitor experience concierge at Qatar Museums, told Qatar Tribune: 'For my individual project, I chose to work with gypsum carving and gilding, creating a mihrab (prayer niche) for the prayer room in Bayt Al-Khater. I also worked on a group project carving a wooden door panel with sadu symbols. Every subject was enjoyable—ceramics, natural dyes, textiles… 'My greatest passion, though, was for geometry. The classes opened my eyes to the depth and precision behind traditional geometric patterns. I honestly wished it was even longer. Each day, we spent over five hours in class, but not once did I feel bored. It was a release—a chance to recharge and contribute something meaningful.' Khadijetou Moussa, architect at Qatar Foundation, said: 'As an architect, we study modern design but not traditional crafts. Herfah offered a chance to connect with sacred geometry and its philosophical roots. My project was a wall frieze—a traditional decorative border. I used Qatari geometric inspirations and techniques like egg tempera and wood carving.''
