Traditional Crafts-Cyprus
Placement Dates: 1st September to 29th September 2010
Number
of UK Participants: 5
Duration: 4 weeks
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Chair-Making
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Mosaic Making
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The focus of the placement will be traditional crafts in Cyprus. The villages
of Cyprus are very rich in crafts, and Cypriots are working with a variety
of natural material to make useful items for their every day life. Most crafts
are gradually disappearing, and the products are replaced with imported items,
made usually with synthetic material. Participants will travel around Cyprus,
to see and practice some of the crafts. They will also visit several handicraft
Centres of the island. The placement will consist of the following activities;
- Traditional chair making
- Basket making
- Broom making
- Wood carving
- Pottery
- Mosaic making
- Visits to handicraft centres and museums
- Traditional sweets and food preparation
- Folklore museum items restoration
- Design of cultural trail signs
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Argalios
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Basketry
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General and site information:
Participants will stay and work in Limassol district, with some of the work
and visits in other districts. Limassol extends from sea level to almost
two thousand meters a.s.l., and is very rich in natural and cultural features.
During the placement period no or very minor rainfall is expected. Temperatures
are likely to reach 42 OC during the hottest days, and generally temperatures
above 35 OC are expected. Work will be undertaken 5 days per week and weekends
will be free.
During the placement, participants will deal with the identification and
proposal of modifications to the craft products, to give them a contemporary
application, without loosing their traditional character. This will increase
the market value of products, and will make them more saleable in the modern
market. Potentially this will help the conservation of the crafts, giving
incentives to younger people to deal with them. This concept is at the heart
of the TICATEC project and is an excellent opportunity for participants
to consider ways in which traditional skills, design and crafts can be given
more contemporary value and relevance.
Beneficiaries will receive training and guidance from experienced craft
practitioners. The aim is not only to develop skills in different techniques
but also to consider the value of the cultural tradition and how this can
be given more contemporary meaning in both Cyprus and the UK. In addition
to the practical work, beneficiaries will also have plenty of opportunities
to explore the beautiful island of Cyprus.
The placement could be suitable for a wide range of UK trainees, including
those studying courses in crafts and floristry. The placements is hosted
by Hylates Limited.
Accommodation arrangements:
- Self-catering mobile home with shower and kitchen located on the premises
of Eleneio Teratsos traditional restaurant, about 2 km outside of Pachna
village and 25 minutes drive from Limassol.
- Bedding material will be provided.
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Broom Making
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Making Pottery
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NOTE: Participants on all of our placements will now require a European Health Insurance CARD (EHIC). CLICK HERE to visit the external website and apply for your EHIC online. |
