Firing Up Craft Capital: The Renaissance of the Craft Industry in India

Chennai, 17th August at Welcome Hotel

FLO Chennai had the privilege of hosting the recent event “Firing Up Craft Capital: The Renaissance of the Craft Industry in India!” The session was moderated by our immediate past president Ms. Sudha Shivkumar and featured an insightful discussion with guest speaker Ms. Gita Ram.

The discussion highlighted the continued vibrancy of handloom weaving in Bengal, Assam, and Orissa, where handwoven sarees remain valued gifts for special occasions. Despite this, the craft industry faces challenges as traditional handicrafts are no longer used for their original purposes.

To address these issues, it was emphasized that integrating handmade products into daily life and during festivals like pooja is essential for sustaining these traditions. Artisans, who often rely on peak seasons for significant income, can achieve financial stability throughout the year by focusing on the domestic market rather than exporting. Exporting crafts can lead to lower prices and exploitation.

Additionally, architects are encouraged to incorporate 2% of indigenous craft elements into their designs to promote local craftsmanship. Organizations such as the Crafts Council play a crucial role in supporting the craft sector by conducting craftsperson censuses, providing input to planning commissions, and offering training in finance, marketing, and digital tools to help artisans effectively market and sell their products.

Number of people impacted: There were 78 women attendees