Beautiful Crafts Workshop shines at ICIF

Following its remarkable debut last year, the Beautiful Crafts Workshop has once again taken center stage at the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), showcasing the extraordinary talents of disabled women across China.

The Beautiful Crafts Workshop exhibition showcases works by disabled women across China. Shenzhen Project Care Foundation

The second Beautiful Crafts Workshop exhibition, featuring creative cultural works by disabled female artisans, opened Friday in Hall 12 of the ICIF. Organized by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) Employment Service Guidance Center, under the guidance of the CDPF and the All-China Women’s Federation, the event is supported by Bank of Communications and hosted by the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation.

This year’s exhibition has doubled in scale, with 36 participating workshops from 20 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities — up from 17 last year. The displayed works, ranging from embroidery and ceramics to fabric art and knotting, highlight traditional intangible cultural heritage techniques. Each piece reflects the women’s resilience, passion for life, and pursuit of dreams.

Li Dongmei, vice chairperson and executive vice president of the CDPF, emphasized in her speech that the workshop, launched in 2022, aims to “help every disabled woman feel valued and respected in society.” “To date, Beautiful Crafts Workshop has established 125 national-level and 232 provincial-level centers, providing employment for over 5,000 women and supporting an additional 15,000 in home-based work,” she said.

“Through ICIF’s global platform, Beautiful Crafts Workshop will expand its international reach, enhance its brand influence, and explore new market opportunities, bringing greater benefits to disabled women,” Li added.

Liu Daling, chairman of the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation and president of Shenzhen News Group, praised ICIF for amplifying the voices of China’s disability community and showcasing the indomitable spirit of these women.

Bank of Communications demonstrated its commitment by donating 850,000 yuan (US$118,375) to the China Foundation for Disabled Persons during the event.

The exhibition drew large crowds. A highlight was the original charity song ”As Beautiful As Her,” co-produced by Bank of Communications and the CDPF Employment Service Guidance Center, which had reached a play count of over 7.3 million by Thursday evening.

The vibrant display of Miao ethnic attire also captivated international visitors, who tried on the exquisite garments. Moved by the artisans’ stories, one foreign visitor remarked, “Here, I’ve witnessed the most beautiful Chinese narrative.