Protecting Traditional Crafts in a Technology Driven World: Here are 8 ways to bring back the handicraft industry

Protecting Traditional Crafts in a Technology Driven World : Here are 8 ways to bring back the handicraft industry November 25, 2021 | Dar Javed

( Story of one craft willow wicker in 4 pictures : pic by Javed Dar)

It is apparent that since the advent of the Industrialised world, the technologies have undergone significant changes . This has had a profound impact on culture and economies. As someone who has studied craft management and Entrepreneurship and discovered a passion for the process of making itself and esteems the value of the handmade object, I have become increasingly aware that the handmade tradition is quickly being eliminated from our lives. People are forgetting traditional crafts – which is unfortunate and artisans are looking for alternative jobs . Therefore, I felt it is very important for me to write on these issues. Hope not Out However there is also a hope and the data shows that despite historical changes, technological advancements and globalization, Indian craft industry continue to entice and fascinate people around the world. However, there are many crafts which have been extinct due to lack of awareness and knowledge transfer. If we take Kashmir as an example , it used to be hub of crafts , many craft and art forms have become extinct like Wagu, silver ware , potteryetc ( List of identified as Endangered Crafts by http://handicrafts.nic.in) . Today the artisans are struggling for survival, when many have moved away from their traditional occupation and some cling desperately without any indemnity of a consistent livelihood. The need of the hour is to preserve cultural diversity and strengthen the economic vitality of the Artisan’s community , hence it is very important to do the same in the age of modernization. After doing a rigorous research and working in the field with the artisan community . For me there are 08 (Eight ) ways to protect the dying Handicraft industry, I would like to give the reference of a beautiful article published by India today. in , Authored by Neha Jain on ways to save dying Art and craft. Here are 8 ways to protect the dying handicraft industry: 1 Understand the global market: According to many Researches and USAID analysis , India along with several other Asian countries—currently dominate handmade production across the world , and are likely to continue in future as well . While the market for purely indigenous designs across is limited, global style—products that combine ethnic elements with contemporary designs—is a growing category and represents a great opportunity for handicraft producers. Hence in order to keep the traditional crafts alive – it is important that artisans in India understand global market and participate in different fairs virtually or physically . 2.Amalgamation of Old and New Contemporary Designs One of the best ways to keep the traditional crafts alive is amalgamation of the traditional and contemporary designs in a product. This can be done to cater all customer specialisations as Some prefer contemporary designs , while others favor a classic and traditional feel . This amalgamation will also mean to produce contemporary patterns through traditional methods. these two brings to life a marvel that is treasured by all. This makes a unique combination. The designs that are results of this traditional & modern synthesis stand out for their contrasting textural complexity and project a sense of individualism, in both form and style. Through this mixture, there is a hope for shining handicraft industry .

3.Understand Promotional Strategies To bring back art and handicrafts into the market, Artisan community across country need to understand the modern market and its promotional strategies. Marketing plays a vital role . Marketing touches every ones life . It involves a large number of activities including marketing research, product pricing, distribution , sales packaging and branding. 4.Conducting Skill Development and Product Development Workshops: At both the rural and urban levels, workshops should be organised in clusters or in groups on different concepts be it skill development , product development, color workshops and or marketing . These workshops will enhance the skills and also the knowledge of the people. Skill showcase, design education, creative and product development workshops can be followed up with pricing, marketing, branding, micro-finance etc. 5. Interactions Between Artisans and Designers It is very important that artisans collaborate with Designers. This will help building new concepts according to market demands . These interactions programmes will also initiate collaborations and will also help in making brands to explore the opportunities together. 6. Recognise it as a Source of Supplementary Income Since the craft sector is the second largest employer in rural India after agriculture, it is a source of supplementary income for the seasonal agricultural workers, who have limited alternative employment opportunities in the villages , hence to recognise it as a source of supplementary income is need of the hour . 7. Increase Interaction With the Consumers Artisans need to interact with the consumers and tell them all about their work and the meaning behind it. This inspires the customers and establishes a connection between art and buyer. This also helps the artisans know what the consumers want or need. 8. Use this Large Arena of Women's Employment Most handicraft industries are large arenas of women's employment. In their free time, women they have to depend on these crafts for earning the income for their family. Take example of Women of Pokhran Tehsil of Jaisalmer, a border district of western Rajasthan, have set a classic example of becoming financially independent by excelling the field of handicraft. With the help of Urmul NGO , the women use their full time to carve out the best products . (willow wicker artists from Sakhaaaz producer company at willow cluster Ganderbal , peerpora , creating panels in willow ....) Writer is a Craft Management design and entrepreurship postgraduate Email:---darjaveed305@gmail.com