The GjiroArt Center was opened in May 2007 with funding from the Gjirokastra Foundation as part of revitalizing Gjirokastra’s historic district. With a group of 40 local artisans, the center produces handmade, authentic Albanian crafts. Our goal is to promote the city of Gjirokastra by safeguarding and highlighting traditional crafts and the surrounding culture.
In our new location at the neck of the Old Bazaar, GjiroArt has grown to do that and more. It is both an exhibition shop and a workshop that is beneficial to tourists and the local economy. Here, artisans are trained in embroidery, weaving, jewelry-making, sewing, knitting and crocheting—using methods that have been in use for over a hundred years. We recycle found and donated materials to make traditional Albanian costumes as well as modern clothing and jewelry using techniques and motifs from the region of Gjirokastra. Through this process of upcycling and restoration we are able to blend the old with the new and further the traditions of Gjirokastra within the community. |