The Power Of Craft (introduction by cyril zammit all panelists on stage)

(CYRIL ZAMMIT IS TAKING OVER)
Thank you Alberto.
In love we are tonight with this beautiful home of knowledge that is the madrassa where we all are.


(EVERYONE IS BACK ON STAGE)
(START OF THE PANEL DISCUSSION)
Dear Gayane,
Again, thanks for hosting us tonight here in Bukhara. We truly feel privileged and on behalf of all the guests from abroad and myself, a big thank you to you and your team.
Alberto said that his foundation evolves in a community that appreciates craftsmanship in its singularity and promotes it. Since 2017, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation has initiated many projects not only here in Uzbekistan but also abroad with the recent successes in Paris and Berlin for example.
==> How important is the role of your foundation when it comes to support the creative community?
Nada,
In Alberto’s keynote, he mentioned that since 1950, in Japan, the most important practitioners of these fine artisanal and artistic skills are called National Living Treasures. You were born in Beirut but at a very early age, your family brought you to Kobe where you stayed for 18 years. Tell us more about your time there and how you got caught by design and architecture.
Ahmad,
When it comes to heritage, similar to the Uzbek masters here tonight, you are also part of a dynasty of architects with a famous and living legendary that is your father. How did you embrace your career?
Alberto,
You got a bit provocative earlier on saying that ‘average is over’. I have two questions for you and I’d like the other panelists to bounce back too…

1. 
   what is the biggest threat for craft today?
   
2. 
   Masters have witnessed changes in their way to work… is AI a kind of threat?
   

Gayane,
ACDF is preparing artist residencies. How do you spot local talents and support them?
Nada,
You are an architect and a designer but not a maker. Nevertheless, your passion for craft is endless… You created the motto: Handmade, Heart Made… You have saved several craft masters from disappearing in Beirut. How to approach them and work with them.
Ahmad,
Back at home in Jeddah, in the beautiful old district of Al-Balad, you have created a hub to support young creatives but you also spent time teaching. Beside sharing your knowledge, what did you learn from your students? And what are the most recurrent topic craft apprentices are facing?
Alberto,
The Michelangelo Foundation is hosting Homo Faber every two years in Venice. This true celebration of the most exquisite craft is also backed up by the Homo Faber Guide that is now listing the first 11 Uzbek masters. What are the most important criteria of selection for the show? To be trivial, what is good and/or bad craft?
Common question:
Do the Gen.Z or millennials still have the patience to learn?
Thanks everyone for this insightful discussion.
I would like to ask the audience if there is any questions for our panellists tonight?

Finally, before closing this session, I would like to leave the last word to Ms. Gayane Umerova…

(Gayane to ask the 10 present Uzbek masters to come on stage).