A space where centuries-old traditions come to life and visitors can become part of a rich cultural heritage — the Centre for Artistic Crafts — opened in the village of Klembivka in Vinnytsia Oblast, central Ukraine, on 19 August.

At the centre, visitors can learn about ancient techniques of embroidery and weaving, view rare exhibits, and talk to the handcraft masters who are preserving and passing on their knowledge from generation to generation.

This local initiative is aimed not only at preserving unique traditions but also fostering the community’s sustainable economic development: The centre is expected to become a magnet for tourists seeking to learn more about Ukrainian culture while relaxing in a natural setting and learning crafts. The new location will also promote cultural tourism, support small businesses, and preserve the region’s intangible heritage.

Klembivka embroidery holds a special place in the centre — a unique phenomenon of Ukrainian decorative culture, examples of which are included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in Ukraine and are kept in the National Folk Decorative Art Museum. Its characteristic ornaments, techniques, and colour scheme are well known far beyond the region.

The Centre for Artistic Crafts was established through an initiative by the “Tourist Yampilshchyna” public organization and local craftsmen, in partnership with Yampil City Council under the “Empowered Partnership for Sustainable Recovery” (EPSR) project. The project is funded by the Government of Sweden, represented by the Swedish Development Agency (Sida), and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.                   

Under the project, an old building was renovated and its facade adorned with decorative murals. Inside, a museum exhibition and rooms for master classes were set up, and weaving looms and embroidery machines were purchased, creating an environment conducive to learning and preserving traditional techniques.

The local community actively participated in providing the museum with exhibits: they collected woven and embroidered household items, an antique sofa, a baby carriage, benches, candlesticks, and other artefacts that reflect the lifestyle and aesthetics of a village in Podillia — a historic region located in the west-central and southwestern parts of Ukraine.

Klembivka has justifiably been dubbed “the Village of Craftsmen” as it is home to many embroiderers, weavers, artists, carvers, poets, and composers. Almost every second resident is skilled in one or more of these ancient crafts, which have been passed down from generation to generation. At the new centre, crafts experts will conduct various master classes, in particular teaching the techniques of Klembivka embroidery — the pride of the region and a cultural treasure of Ukraine.

In addition, guests will be offered excursions to Svitlytsia — an exhibition space featuring a collection of unique shirts, towels, carpets, and decorative items. Authentic souvenirs created by local artisans will also be available for purchase in the centre’s shop.

The experience gained during the implementation of this initiative has been valuable, and it has significant potential for replication in other communities that aim to achieve sustainable economic growth while remaining grounded in their unique identity and cultural heritage.