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Sandugash spent over 11 years at the Bank, working both in Kazakhstan and at the EBRD’s London headquarters. After leaving the EBRD she solidified her expertise in sustainable development and economic empowerment by obtaining a PhD in public policy, using her knowledge in 2022 to establish ShyraQ.
“It’s an initiative that goes beyond preserving traditional carpet weaving,” explains Sandugash. “It is a platform for social impact. By providing training, resources and economic opportunities, ShyraQ enables women in rural Kazakhstan to sustain their livelihoods while carrying forward a craft that has been passed down through generations.”
This integration of heritage and sustainable development is not just an artistic pursuit, it is a movement towards economic resilience and cultural preservation.
But where did it all start?
“My vision materialised in the landmark She Rug exhibition, held at the prestigious ForteBank Kulanshi Artspace in Astana,” remembers Sandugash.
"This showcase of over 50 works, ranging from antique masterpieces to contemporary expressions of identity and modernity, served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kazakh textile traditions.”
More than an artistic endeavour, She Rug spotlighted the women behind the craft, honouring their role as custodians of a living heritage while empowering them through recognition and economic opportunity.
She continues: “Through ShyraQ and my broader work with the She Rug exhibition, my aim is to bridge traditional artisan techniques with forward-thinking enterprise. By fostering sustainable production practices and advocating for fair wages, I ensure that the women who continue these intricate crafts receive both financial stability and the respect they deserve. I want to show people that economic empowerment and cultural heritage can coexist, creating lasting value for artisans and their communities.
She explains that in a world increasingly dominated by mass production, her initiatives resonate with those who seek authenticity, ethical craftsmanship and sustainable economic models. “Through my collaborations with artisans, institutions and collectors, I’m not merely preserving an art form, I am elevating it as a tool for social change.”
At the core of her mission is an understanding that cultural heritage is not just an aesthetic treasure but a means of empowerment. “The Kazakh carpet, woven with centuries-old symbols and techniques, is more than a decorative object. It is a source of pride, independence and opportunity for the women who create it.”
Under her leadership, this ancient craft is not only being preserved, it is also shaping a more sustainable and equitable future, one exquisite thread at a time.”
Listen to Sandugash here.