Background

Art has the power to change the world, because it comes from the heart. It can rouse us, inspire us, even bother us with its power. Our lives are wholly inextricable from art. Without it, our homes would be empty, our days would be boring, and our imaginations would go to waste! Luckily, we live in a world where art is a part of our lives in every way we can imagine.

Some of the most brilliant, most excellent artwork in our country is produced by local artisan communities, our kaarigars. These communities are not only responsible for carrying on vast artistic legacies, but also form the backbone of the cultural economy in India. Moreover, the artisanal industry is one of the few in India that is near zero-waste, and utilizes all materials and waste in the creation of something. Unfortunately, the last few years have created unprecedented challenges for them. From being unable to reach consumers when we were under lockdown, to having to compete with mechanically reproduced products delivered online, it seems the value of their work has been forgotten.