Potohari- the Art & Craft Village is the culmination of a vision jointly shared by the Indus Heritage Trust & the CDA. A vision that celebrates and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan that dates back 10,000 years to Mehergarh, Baluchistan.

The Village is the forerunner of similar outlets throughout Pakistan that will provide a snapshot  of the cultural identity of Pakistan. The blueprint for this project is an inclusive one which can be shared by all organisations that have made valuable contributions to the promotion of Pakistan’s cultural legacy
 

Fortnightly Festivals Planned Starting from October

In early July 2011, IHT formed a Potohari Art and Craft Village Board to help it manage the Craft Project in Islamabad. Initially, the Board, apart from the IHT representatives, consists  of members from Lok Virsa, NCA, AHAN, RSPN, Sungi, PFFB, Behbood, and Dug Dugee.

This Board which is akin to a project steering committee has decided to start the Potohari Village from the first week of October soon after Ramazan.

Fortnightly festivals have been planned starting from October till end December. Indus Heritage will be the first festival that will start from 1st October where traditional artisans, singers, performers, from all along the river Indus will participate. Traditional food from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Balochistan, Swat, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir will be a constant feature throughout all festivals.

A one year plan for artists’ retreat is also being planned. And hostel facilities at the Village will be available to students from schools, colleges and universities to enable them to interact with artisans and learn first hand about their indigenous culture.

It has also decided that craftsmen’ travel to the Village can be supported only initially and cannot continue for a long time due to the resource crunch.

It has also decided to start morning classes to train craft persons in all required skills. This is expected to improve their creative capacity and to enhance their production.

It has also been decided that restaurants will be iniated along with the inauguration of the Village.

The Potohari Board has also decided to introduce some sort of childrens’ entertainment area to encourage families to come to the site.

The potential of amphitheater is also being considered. The Board is of the view that the amphitheater should be managed by the Board itself and it should rent it out to various parties for managing events.

SITE MAP (Click to enlarge)
 

       Main Features:

       - Student Hostel
       - Craft Shops
       - Exhibition Halls
       - Design Centers
       - Studios
       - An "Artist Retreat" Accommodation for visiting artists
       - Amphitheatre for Performing Arts
       - Open Air entertainment
       - Children Friendly Play Area's
       - "The Sarai" Accommodation for craft persons/Artistes
       - Environmentally responsible 'Park areas'
       - "Chai" Khanas