Sasha Fairtrade (West Bengal). Photo by Jude van der Merwe
FOUNDERS
We are deeply honoured that Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan has honoured us by becoming Patroness of APCA. Her Majesty recognises the importance of culture and the arts and particularly the deep contribution the craft artisan sector makes to society.
We are grateful to our Founding Patrons and Founding Members who have committed funds and support to enable APCA to begin providing services to our existing WCC APR and new APCA members.
Founding Patroness
Patroness
Her Majesty, Queen Mother of Bhutan Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck
Kuzuzango-La
It is with deep honour and gratitude that I accept the invitation to serve as Patron of the Asia-Pacific Crafts Alliance.
Across our region, craftsmanship is not only a livelihood but also a living legacy – a thread that connects our past to the future. From resources gifted by nature to creations reborn through innovation and upcycling – every craft carries the essence of community, respect and dignity.
Bhutan, though small in size, holds fast to the belief that culture and creativity are the soul of a nation. Our crafts embody our heritage, nurture our happiness and give life to our identity.
This new Alliance provides a meaningful opportunity for our region to come together — to share our histories, knowledge, and aspirations, and to strengthen the creative industries that sustain our people. Beyond its economic contribution, craft nurtures harmony, resilience, and a sense of belonging across borders.
In a world facing uncertainty and rapid changes, the timeless values of craftsmanship – patience, respect and innovation – shine as guiding lights. With compassion and collaboration, I believe the Asia - Pacific Crafts Alliance will inspire a future that is inclusive, sustainable and deeply human.
Bhutan is honoured to walk this path with you, and I personally look forward to this shared journey of creativity and purpose..
Tashi Delek!
Founding Patrons
The following people have committed funds and reputational support to APCA as a sign of their commitment to the vision and goals of our organisation. We are grateful to them for their long-standing and steadfast support.
Dr. Surapee Rojanavongse
Thailand, South East Asia
“Handicrafts are more than creative expression—they are a pathway to peace, purpose, and empowerment. By engaging in craftwork, individuals of all ages and backgrounds can discover joy, build confidence, and foster self-reliance. Students learn patience and focus; elders find renewed meaning; those who are sick or disabled experience healing through creation. Even in prisons, crafts offer a chance for reflection and transformation. These activities transcend barriers, connecting people through shared creativity and cultural heritage. In a world often driven by speed and consumption, handicrafts remind us of the value of time, care, and human touch. They cultivate mindfulness and community, offering a gentle yet powerful tool for social upliftment. I believe that promoting crafts in every corner of society can lead to a more compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful world—one stitch, one brushstroke, one handmade piece at a time.”
“I fully support the establishment of the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance—a timely and visionary platform for unity, ethical leadership, and regional collaboration. Our region’s rich craft traditions face shared challenges: heritage erosion, marginalization of artisan voices, and the need for transparent governance. This Alliance offers a fresh beginning, where artisans, educators, and cultural leaders can come together to celebrate heritage, foster solidarity, and promote crafts as tools for healing and empowerment. I am proud to stand behind this initiative and contribute to its growth, guided by compassion, collaboration, and a deep belief in the transformative power of craft.”
Mrs. Manjari Nirula
India, South Asia
Manjari Nirula has over 40 years of experience with Revival of Languishing Crafts, Documentation, Design Development and Marketing of Crafts. She is an Advisor & Honorary Member of the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region, and now Founder Member of the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance.
She is an executive member of the Crafts Council of India, and a part of the core group of Kamala, the craft shop of the council. Manjari has also previously held the position of President of the Delhi Crafts Council.
“The handmade sector demands a renewed vision — one that recognises artisans not only as creators of economic value but also as guardians of social, cultural, and environmental well-being. As Founding Members of the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance, we are committed to reviving languishing crafts and reimagining living traditions. Through programmes in design innovation, we keep material knowledge alive, encourage novel applications, and drive progress in developing sustainable alternatives to conventional products.
Our mission is to honour and document these traditions, bringing to light their cultural legacy, environmental harmony, social relevance, and spiritual resonance. Looking ahead, programmes must align with the growing global consensus on the creative and cultural industries and fully acknowledge their vital contribution to national economies.”
Ms. Gita Ram
India, South Asia
I am happy to be a founding patron in APCA:
I wholeheartedly support the establishment of the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance. It offers a fresh beginning — one of unity and mutual respect. The countries of the Asia Pacific region have a rich diversity of crafts and represent millions of craftspeople. I believe APCA will be a platform where artisans, advocates, educators, and cultural leaders can come together.
I have dedicated most of my life to the handmade sector in my country trying to facilitate just equitable and sustainable livelihoods .
I believe that the Asia Pacific Crafts Alliance can also do this.
Founding Members
The following people have generously committed to supporting APCA’s vision by becoming Founding Members. We value their continued support of craft in our culture and society
Ms. Jude van der Merwe
AUSTRALIA | South Pacific/Moana Oceania
Dr. Joseph Lo
SINGAPORE | South East Asia
Ms. Lindy Joubert
AUSTRALIA | South Pacific/Moana Oceania
Mr. Edric Ong
MALAYSIA | South East Asia
Ms. Baby Jurmawati Djuri
INDONESIA | South East Asia
Mr. Ahmed AlFarsi
OMAN | West Asia
Mr. Le Ba Ngoc
VIETNAM | South East Asia
Partner Organisations
We are very pleased to announce a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation between APCA and the European Crafts Alliance.
Our organisations share the same values and are committed to a vision whereby the global nature of craft practices can be expanded through an alliance and united voice.
We both see opportunities for shared knowledge, research, representation by artisans and artists and the organisations that support them in regional and international forums.
Friends of APCA
In the spirit of collaboration we will be working closely with these organisations below to amplify opportunities for our members, to reach larger audiences, and grow capacity.
And of course we will continue to work closely with our member organisations many of whom are represented on our inaugural international board
