18.06.2025

Project 'The Craftsman's Path in the Caucasus'

The project "The Craftsman's Path in the Caucasus" is aimed at increasing the tourist attractiveness of the Caucasus through the creation of 9 branded capsule gift collections, revealing the craft heritage of seven regions of the North Caucasus Federal District, the Republic of Adygea, and Krasnodar Krai.

The main goal is not only to actualize the unique cultural traditions of each region but also to build a narrative about the journey of each craftsperson. The project plans to train craftspeople with the participation of design and business mentors both online and offline; create capsule collections reflecting the cultural features of each region; organize photo expeditions involving three renowned photographers from Russia and three anthropologist experts for research — it is important to emphasize the craftsmanship of craftspeople from each specific region, the uniqueness of their products, and also to create striking visual materials for presentation and promotion. The finished collections, supplemented with photo materials, will travel in a pavilion-van in the summer of 2026 across the Caucasus regions, which will help strengthen the connection with local traditions and folk culture for residents, as well as increase tourists’ interest in the cultures of the regions. During the same period, the photo works created during the expeditions will be presented at the Rasul Gamzatov National Library in Makhachkala, Republic of Dagestan.

Project timeline: January – September 2026 (9 months)

The project's target audience includes craftsmen from the North Caucasus Federal District, the Republic of Adygea, and Krasnodar Krai aged 18 and older — representatives of various creative professions engaged in developing unique products reflecting the identity and cultural code of the region, as well as residents and visitors of the North Caucasus Federal District, the Republic of Adygea, and Krasnodar Krai — exhibition visitors promoting regional traditions.

The main focus is on the personal stories of the craftspeople: who they are, why they make their products, and how their style is formed. A separate Telegram channel and an online series are planned during the pavilion van’s journey across the Caucasus. Online coverage of all events will reach at least 300,000 people.

Project partners: