Sustainable crafts thrive at SkillFest

Doha residents are increasingly embracing unique and sustainable toys and accessories, signalling a growing trend towards creative and hands-on activities in Qatar."Here in Doha, they (residents) are very interested in it, especially kids,” Filiz Cam, founder of Needle and Hook, and a participant at the SkillFest exhibition at Msheireb Galleria, told *Gulf Times.Cam, who recently moved to Qatar, is showcasing her crochet creations at the SkillFest exhibition, a month-long celebration of local arts and crafts.She shines a spotlight on the growing enthusiasm for handcrafted and sustainable items, especially with yarn and a hook.This sentiment, Cam said, reflects an expanding appeal among Doha residents to foster creativity in their children."It’s also safe, and there’s nothing artificial about it. They want their kids to be creative, not just glued to screens,” she said, noting that crochet allows them to create something tangible with their own hands”.Cam’s workshop, which teaches children how to crochet blankets, is proof of this desire."They are very interested in crafting stuff – not just crochet, but painting, ceramics, and more. This is how they could be creative, they are creating something with yarn and hook with their hands and I suggest everyone have such a hobby for their kids,” she said, highlighting a shift towards hands-on methods and active participation.Cam’s story is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by Qatar’s burgeoning arts and crafts scene.Her passion for crochet blossomed after leaving corporate life and she has quickly built a business by tapping into the market demand for handcrafted goods.SkillFest, sponsored by Visit Qatar, is a key platform for showcasing this trend and has attracted a diverse crowd across various locations in Doha.The event features a mix of workshops, performances, and exhibitions, all infused with a celebration of Qatar’s cultural heritage and local artistry.SkillFest offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s artistic landscape, from Arabic calligraphy to astronomy displays and marine life pavilions to Qatari photography exhibits.The event also hosts artisan markets, featuring works by 24 local artists, and competitions for visitors with prizes.The lively atmosphere at West Walk, one of the SkillFest locations, reflects the excitement surrounding the initiative."We've been receiving many visitors, mostly Qataris and families from the GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia,” said a staff member. "They are eager to participate in the workshops and learn from our instructors and artisans.”SkillFest exhibition is also being held at two indoor locations: Mall of Qatar and Place Vendome.