Reinterpretation of Stapar Carpet Heritage Through Contemporary Design | pilot in Serbia

Serbian Pilot Action Showcases the Reinterpretation of Stapar Carpet Heritage Through Contemporary Design

The Fund for European Affairs and Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina successfully implemented its pilot action within the COMMHERITOUR project, culminating in the exhibition "Ornament and Identity", held at the Museum of Vojvodina in Novi Sad.

The pilot action focused on rediscovering the traditional motifs of the Stapar carpet and reinterpreting them through contemporary design, while actively engaging young people, creative professionals and local stakeholders throughout the process. By combining cultural heritage with modern artistic expression, the initiative demonstrated how traditional crafts can be preserved, revitalized and made relevant for new generations.

Implemented over the course of several months, the pilot included preparatory and co-creation workshops, where participants explored the history and symbolism of Stapar carpet ornaments and contributed ideas for their contemporary application. Based on this collaborative process, a collection of three clothing outfits featuring reinterpreted traditional motifs was developed using sustainable materials, demonstrating the potential of heritage-inspired design in today's creative industries.

The exhibition "Ornament and Identity" presented the results of this collaborative process to the public. Created by professors and assistants from the Academy of Technical and Artistic Vocational Studies Belgrade, Department of the Higher Textile School for Design, Technology and Management, the exhibition explored the transformation of one of the most recognizable symbols of Vojvodina's textile heritage—the Stapar Rose—from its original woven form into printed textiles and contemporary fashion design.

The exhibition highlighted how traditional ornaments can transcend their original decorative function and become a source of inspiration for innovative clothing design while preserving their cultural authenticity. Through the dialogue between tradition and modernity, visitors were invited to reflect on the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage by adapting it to contemporary creative practices.

As part of the pilot action, additional educational and promotional materials were developed, including a short animated film illustrating the cultural significance of Stapar carpet motifs and an interactive picture book designed to introduce children to traditional patterns, colours and textile-making techniques through creative learning activities.

By integrating heritage preservation, community participation and contemporary design, the COMMHERITOUR pilot action demonstrated an innovative approach to strengthening the visibility and valorisation of traditional crafts. The pilot contributes to the project's broader objective of enhancing the role of cultural heritage in local development, sustainable tourism and community cohesion across the Danube Region.