World Nomad Games: International Competition for Selection of the Best Examples of Handicrafts
1st to 6th September 2026 | Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Dr Joseph Lo, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Crafts Alliance (APCA), was invited to serve on the jury for the International Competition for Selection of the Best Examples of Handicrafts, held as part of the Cultural Programme of the VI World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, from 1–6 September 2026. The three-member jury was chaired by Madam Kulnar Akmatova of the Union of Artists of Kyrgyzstan and included Ms Vera Miasina, Head of Arts of the Caucasus and Central Asia at the Oriental Museum, Moscow.
The competition attracted 24 entries from 10 countries and regions, including Kyrgyzstan, Germany, Türkiye, Hungary, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, India, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Oman, Mongolia and Australia. The works demonstrated an exceptional diversity of materials and practices, ranging from felt, woven and quilted textiles to silver, brass, leather, paper, bone and lacquerware. The entries encompassed jewellery, utilitarian and decorative folk crafts, as well as conceptual and art-driven works.
Judging was based on five criteria covering the quality of materials and workmanship, colour and texture, tradition and cultural representation, knowledge of ornament, and contemporary interpretation. The judges examined each work individually, spoke with makers about their practices, and scored the entries before meeting to compare assessments and discuss their observations. The different backgrounds and areas of expertise represented on the jury provided valuable and complementary perspectives.
The Grand Prix was awarded to Australian artist Dr Bic Tieu for a conceptual silver bangle that successfully bridged jewellery and contemporary art. The jury particularly admired its impeccable workmanship, intricate lace-like treatment of silver, and meaningful reference to Asian-Australian culture. Other major awards recognised outstanding contemporary interpretations of traditional craft. The First Prize went to Kyrgyz felt artist Fariza Sheisheyeva for a large wall hanging combining traditional motifs with a contemporary composition. The Second Prize was awarded to Kyrgyz jeweller Zhakshylyk Chentemirov for works combining semi-precious stones, coral and silver, while the Third Prize recognised Kyrgyz potter Zhyrgal Baktiev for his innovative use of milk as a glaze. Special Prizes were awarded to Mongolian quilter Tsetsgee Enkhjargal and Turkish textile artist Oiya Altynkok for their exceptional design, craftsmanship and technical skills.
On the final day, Dr Lo also participated in a Round Table Meeting on “Crafts in the Modern World: Public Policy, International Cooperation, and New Opportunities for Development”. He presented APCA’s initiatives, including the Craft Masters Award and Culture-based Product Development and Design Training Workshops, highlighting opportunities for artisans to gain recognition and strengthen their design skills alongside their technical expertise.
The experience demonstrated the ability of excellence in craft to transcend language, cultural and geographical differences. Bringing together makers and experts from diverse traditions provided an important opportunity to recognise, exchange and celebrate outstanding craftsmanship on an international stage.
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