Weavers’ colony in traditional rug-making

24.-26.09.2015.

The first weavers’ colony in the community of Stapar, which was implemented with the aim of promoting and preserving Stapar rug-making, was organized by Ethno Network and Women\\\'s Association \\\'Staparke\\\' from September 24-26, with the support of Australian Embassy in Serbia, the City of Sombor, Pirot municipality and National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED).

Participants for the colony included skilled weavers from Veliko Gradiste, Sombor, Odzaci, Pancevo, Indjija, Stapar, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kikinda and guests from Pirot and weavers cooperative \\\'Lady\\\'s Heart\\\' that joined the colony on the second day. The colony was organized in the premises of the cultural center in Stapar which included an exhibition of 42 old hand-woven rugs. Program included practical weaving exercise that required all participants to weave pieces with motifs from Stapar rugs. Practice classes were complemented with training sessions with selected expert speakers who readily shared their knowledge and experience with the participants.

Members of the local association led by Snezana Aperlic opened their households to host incoming participants and were available to provide all necessary support for the successful implementation of the colony. Helpful hosts prepared meals for the guests and even demonstrated the making of a local specialty – sweet pastry called Listara that is authentic of this local community. Participants from associations in Sombor and Odzaci helped to provide and prepare looms for all participants and selflessly engaged in the colony.

On the second day weavers colony was visited by H.E. Australian Ambassador in Serbia Ms. Julia Feeney accompanied by her husband, representatives of the city of Sombor and selected businessmen and tourists from Italy and Germany. Guests visited the colony as well as the ethnographic section in elementary school, a church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and weaving workshops for school c