Empowering Artists and Preserving Heritage the Role of Community-Led Initiatives in the Jade Industry in China.

Community-led development (CLD) represents a transformative approach empowering local communities to navigate global challenges and revive traditional crafts, ensuring sustainable development while safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Within the jade industry, CLD not only promises economic advancement but also preserves cultural identity. Yet, research on its impact in this context remains limited, prompting this investigation. This qualitative study investigates how CLD initiatives empower jade artists, preserve cultural heritage, and foster international collaboration. Using in-depth analysis, findings reveal that initiatives in skills development, entrepreneurship, collective decision-making, and market access empower artists. However, scaling impacts necessitate further research and investment. Cultural preservation, intergenerational learning, community education, and partnerships with cultural institutions are pivotal for sustaining traditions. Facilitating international collaboration and market access is crucial, underscoring the need for supportive policies and resources to globalize artisanal economies. Key factors for empowering artists in jade art villages through CLD include skills development in traditional techniques and innovative design, entrepreneurship support via microfinance and mentorship, collective decision-making promoting fair trade, market access through fairs and online platforms, and cultural preservation fostering heritage continuity. Strategies for cultural heritage preservation focus on documentation, authentic design revival, community education, and collaboration with institutions. Networking, trade fairs, online marketing, cultural exchanges, and market research support enhance international collaboration and market access. These efforts aim to sustain the cultural significance, economic viability, and global recognition of jade craftsmanship. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can leverage CLD to bolster the jade sector sustainably, promoting resilience, innovation, inclusion, and cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]