From Tradition to New Possibilities: Three Weeks of Craft Design Training in Sichuan
2026 | Dege County, Sichuan, China
For three weeks, APCA Secretary General, Dr Joseph Lo, worked with artisans in Maisu Township (Dzongsar), Dege County, Sichuan, China, in a culture-based craft design training programme organised by Ms Dawa Dolma and sponsored by Khyenle.
The programme explored how traditional craft skills, materials and cultural knowledge can be developed into products that respond to contemporary life while retaining their cultural character.
Through practical workshops covering design principles, colour and texture, product development, collections and culture-based design, participants created more than 20 new designs and products using traditional skills and local materials with a contemporary approach.
The training also resulted in significant growth in participants’ confidence and understanding of design. Following the programme, 93% or more of participants rated their understanding of key design areas as Good or Excellent, while all respondents rated their understanding of culture-based product development and design as Good or Excellent.
Participants particularly valued Colour Theory, Culture-based Product Development and Design, and Design Elements and Principles, as well as the practical activities and games.
For APCA, the programme demonstrates how design training can support craft sector development by opening new possibilities for traditional skills and materials without disconnecting them from their cultural heritage. With the right design knowledge and support, artisans can explore new possibilities while continuing to build on their cultural and material heritage.
The next step is to refine the new products, develop costings and production plans, and explore opportunities to present and market them at fairs and exhibitions in China and potentially internationally.