Training In Contemporary Applications of Traditional European Crafts (TICATEC) - 2007
Cyprus: Lefkara Lace-making
Number of UK participants: 4
Placement Dates: 1st May to 28th may 2007
Placement duration: 4 weeks
The TICATEC placement in Cyprus will be hosted in the village of Lefkara, famous for its traditional textile production. The hosts of the placement are Lace makers in the village. Participants will have a unique opportunity to practice lace-making and other textile techniques, alongside practitioners in this beautiful region.
The following details have been provided by the hosts:
Leonardo da Vinci Initial Vocational Training Project
Training in Contemporary Applications of Traditional European Crafts (TICATEC)
Under the above Training Project, Lefkara is willing to host four persons from the UK during 2007, in order to provide for them a 4-week training programme in our traditional embroidery - namely the making of Lefkara Laces and other traditional crafts.
Lefkara lace is a unique tradition in embroidery, with great reputation not only in the island but in many European and other countries, as well. The various making techniques, the motifs and patterns used and the pride they give to their "producers" are worthy to be classified among the most important crafts of our common European culture.
The placement will start on 1st May 2007 and the four beneficiaries will have the chance to learn more about the history, the importance and the varieties of these laces and by the end, they will be able and skilful enough to make their own, unique embroidering.
Training sessions will be given by professionals in lace making "in situ", at Lefkara Municipality - a small, picturesque and very progressive rural municipality at the south- east part of Troodos Mountain, not far from the sunny southern beaches of the island of Cyprus.
 |
 |
 |
Topic: Making of Traditional "Lefkara" Laces and other local
crafts
 |
 |
Place: Lefkara - Cyprus
Lefkara village (municipality) is set at a mean altitude of 580 meters, in
the semi-mountainous part of Larnaca District. It lies 55 km from Nicosia
- the capital of the island, 55 km from Limassol - the second biggest city
of and 45 km from Larnaca. Large expanses of Lefkara are today uncultivated
and covered with wild vegetation, but in the past, it was full of vines, carob
and olive trees, pomegranate, fig and almond trees and of course, cereals.
The village is itself a whole museum! The characteristic architecture, with the narrow streets and the rural houses built of local white stone, together with the small churches and other public buildings and monuments compose a unique landscape.
The village is very well known for its typical lace making and its art of silversmithing. The people of Lefkara are famous for their hospitality and their kindness and willingness to assist any visitor.
At Lefkara, there is a public hospital, a police station, a post office and many other basic facilities. For leisure and recreation somebody can find café, restaurants, traditional coffee shops, a sports center, a folk museum, etc.
Regarding public transportation, every morning there is a bus that goes to Larnaca city and returns early in the afternoon. Taxis and minibuses are also available at Lefkara.
|
Images of Previous Lefkara Placements
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Period: 1st May to 28th may 2007
That is the best period for someone to be in Cyprus. There is an explosion
of colours, odours and feelings everywhere. The Mediterranean sun shines over
the warm beaches and the green countryside and creates a unique scene for
people to enjoy. At this period the sea is already warm enough for swimming.
Travel: The cost of flights and insurance will be covered by project
funding. Flights will be booked by Grampus and tickets sent out to participants.
Departure UK airport will be decided after places have been allocated. Participants
are responsible for their travel to and from the UK airport
Accommodation and Food: The participants will stay in a village house
where they will make their own breakfast. Lunch and dinner will be provided
6 days a week, with self catering neccessary on excursion days (1 day per
week). Project funding will be transferred to hosts to cover the cost of accommodation,
food (lunch and dinner 6 days per week) and some excursions. A self-catering
allowance will be given to participants to help with the cost of breakfasts
and excursion meals.
Working hours: Could be: 9:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 18:00, Monday to Friday. Some Saturday work through discussion with group and hosts upon arrival
Tasks: Lace-making and learning techniques. Helping in the Lace Shop in Lefkara village. Visiting other craft practitioners (silversmiths etc.)
Distance to workplace: Walking distance
Suggested clothing: light summer clothes plus something warmer for
nights or "unexpected" cold or rainy days.
Cultural visits: could include visits to folk and archeological museums, archeological sites, natural monuments, parks, beaches, Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Troodos, Paphos (to be decided depending on interests of participants)
