Building up narratives for the use of Stapar carpet patterns for the young generations
About the pilot action
COMMHERITOUR project pilot action “Rediscovering old Stapar carpet patterns by involving the local youth and professional designers to reintroduce it via new products” have the objective of transferring specific historical experience and extraordinary cultural richness of our region to the new generations. Aim is to engage local youth and professionals in process of reinterpretation of traditional motifs from Stapar carpet, in order to be adjusted to consumer needs without losing the authenticity of the crafts.
Within the scope of the pilot action, the local pilot preparation workshop and the workshops for young people on the topic of design based on cultural heritage, with aim of pattern creation, selection and application to clothing, are foreseen. Through the further design process, selected traditional motifs from Stapar carpet will be modernised in unique way, ensuring recognisability in contemporary fashion, while preserving their authenticity and cultural significance. The pilot also includes the presentation platforms that will serve to showcase how traditional motifs and craftsmanship can be reinterpreted in contemporary design, fostering a deeper connection between cultural heritage and modern creative industries. Community members, with focus on young people and children, will be introduced to this cultural art form through an exhibition, interactive picture book and animated film, presenting Stapar carpet motifs through interactive experience, allowing the general public to understand origin and meaning, while encouraging creativity.
The local pilot workshops brought together and engaged local youth, including students from the Design High School Novi Sad and Academy of Technical and Art Applied Studies Belgrade, with professionals, stakeholders, and interested groups in the process of reinterpreting cultural heritage. Numerous ideas were generated, contributing to the development of a methodology for creating motif forms in a manner consistent with the conceptualization of Stapar carpet patterns. Reinterpreted motif is shown in various color combinations and applications on various clothing items, respecting the essence of cultural heritage.
About the region
As a territory of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural identity, Vojvodina represents an important part of both Serbian and European historical and cultural heritage. This European region, with its capital Novi Sad, is a conglomerate of different nations, steaming its cultural identity from centuries of interaction among Slavic, Hungarian, German, and other communities. During the last centuries, this region was a significant cultural, political and social hub, with Novi Sad earning the nickname Serbian Athens for its role in preserving Serbian culture. Today, Novi Sad is the city of creativity and art, with title of the European Youth Capital in 2019, European Capital of Culture in 2022, and UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts in 2023. Vojvodina has several elements inscribed in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia, and one of them is Stapar carpet making, due to its importance to Serbian culture. Stapar carpet weaving is a specific way of making carpets that originated in the village of Stapar (in northwestern Vojvodina, near Novi Sad), with predominantly floral motifs, roses and bouquets. Today, the carpet is in the inner most circle of symbols of traditional culture of the Serbian people, and folk carpet weaving is considered to be one of the most fruitful fields of its creative expression.