Craft, Culture and Connection brings Kashmir’s heritage to life in a vocational center in Muzaffarabad, where cultural identity has faded. Located in a major refugee camp, the center supports artisans in preserving traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural practices. Through a cultural walkthrough, visitors experience live craft-making and join hands-on workshops, fostering a deep connection to Kashmir’s legacy. By encouraging tourism and building community, Amna Malik’s undergraduate thesis not only revives Kashmiri culture but also helps refugees earn a living, turning heritage into a resource for a stronger future.

The heritage of Kashmir, rich in arts, crafts, and unique architecture, has been eroded, particularly in displaced communities in Muzaffarabad. Many craftsmen, now refugees, lack both the means to sustain their traditional skills and the opportunities to share them with the wider public. This project arises from the need to restore a sense of identity, belonging, and self-sufficiency within this community. By reconnecting artisans with their crafts in a public space, the project addresses the pressing issue of cultural preservation while creating pathways for economic stability.