KALA RAKSHA VIDHYALAYA An institute of Design for Traditional Artisans

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1 KALA RAKSHA VIDHYALAYA An institute of Design for Traditional Artisans KRV News Letter August 2015 Kala Raksha is a grassroots social enterprise whose mission is to preserve and present traditional crafts of Kutch. Comprising of artisans, community members and experts in the fields of art, design, rural management and museums, KalaRaksha currently works with a thousand artisans from seven different embroidering communities to produce some of the most exquisitely hand embroidered and patch worked garments, accessories, and home furnishings made in Kutch. Please visit our website and our on-line museum You can also follow us on our facebook page. YEAR 9 th AT KALA RAKSHA VIDHYALAYA(KRV) Introduction and executive summary KRV, founded in 2005 by late Prakash Bhanani and Judy Frater, is the first institution of design for traditional artisans in Kutch. This educational institution, whose environment, curriculum and methodology are designed to be appropriate for traditional artisans, follows a model to help rejuvenate traditional arts and is designed for the progress of artisans. The course of study is practical, project-based, maximizing applicability and activity. Kala RakshaVidhayalaya s Objectives are: To enable artisans to significantly improve their standard of living; socially-culturally and economically To increase artisans confidence in knowing what they know; their traditional craft To strengthen the vitality and raise the value of crafts

2 Kala RakshaVidhyalaya intends to achieve this by: Providing design education to traditional artisans by Educating in the vernacular language and environment. Kala RakshaVidhyalaya s Design-based curriculum is practically relevant, building on existing strengths, and strengthening shortcomings, by: Discovering, articulating and utilizing the existing systems of knowledge, skills, design and innovation. Teaching concepts, using these existing systems. Teaching through problem solving projects which utilize existing skills to support and contribute to, rather than compete with the artisan s ongoing work, evaluating through an authentic, direct marketing link. The story of KRV so far From its inception in 2005 to the last batch which was in 2013, KRV has trained a number of artisans. With a mission to develop a new approach to design education based on existing traditions and empowering the artisan community to be self-sufficient in their profession. KRV successfully ran the course over eight years for the artisans of Kutch and was benefited greatly from funding from various corporate companies, funding organizations and individual donors. The core concept of the institution is tradition is more than technique ; it comprises of concept and knowledge as well. The method of the institution is to work within traditions, by understanding and drawing from their strengths. The focus of Kala RakshaVidhyalaya s education is on acquiring knowledge and skills that will enable artisans to use design effectively in their work, in order to successfully reach appropriate new markets, while strengthening traditional identity. KRV activities came to a standstill with the demise of one of the cofounders and resignation of the other. After a thorough discussion, meeting with KRV advisors and trustees, Kala Raksha staff has decided to come together and revive KRV activities they have re-started the sessions from June A small Inauguration ceremony was held to commemorate this occasion on the 23 rd of June 2015 at The Vidhyalaya s Premises at TundaVandh, Kutch. Looking forward 2015 onward With re-starting of KRV it is envisioned that at least 10 artisans from Kutch, a mix of male and female, will benefit from the program in the first year. Other than these 10, the various other programs that have been planned will benefit master artisans of Kutch, KRV alumni, students and artisans community in general.

3 Whereas earlier KRV course was free only for female students, from this year onward even male students will be provided training for no fee. The students will be provided accommodation, food, materials, and professional training under the guidance of master artisans and visiting faculty members from the design, art and craft sectors from across the world. There is a dire need to build a bridge between the artisans and the creative industries not only in India but across the world for the upliftment of the traditional artisans and to make them self sufficient. KRV s revival plan has taken into consideration these needs as well as designed/amended programs from learning from the previous years. The course has taken into consideration the need for economic benefits to the students on completion of the course. The course structure is being made stronger by including visiting faculty and mentors who will build a strong professional network with the students. A thrust on marketing efforts will take KRV artisans and their work to a new and larger audience and market. An online shop especially for KRV students, rigorous online marketing and social media have been planned for increased results. Problems to be addressed: Bridging the gap between artisans and the market: So far, KRV programs have successfully trained local artisans who dedicated pursued the program and produced elaborate collections at the end of the course. However, the students have felt that there is disconnect between the market and their products. This is one of the most important aspects that is being taken into consideration with the restarting of KRV. The planned curriculum includes introduction to markets and new avenues, collaboration opportunities with established designers and design houses, partnerships with key institutions and organizations that will benefit the artisans economically and in skill-building. A plan is being made to partner and collaborate with well-established art and craft spaces, stores and exhibition venues across the country to showcase KRV products and bring these spaces in contact with the artisans for future projects. An online shop for KRV alumni and students is being designed to reach out to clients all across the world. This will generate income as well as forge new connections with potential markets.

4 Making KRV sustainable: All through the years, KRV has been funded by prestigious corporate companies, NGOs, funding organizations and individual donors. Now with the restarting of KRV it is imperative to create a sustainable plan and execute it. To overcome the funding issues, KRV has designed income generation programs that will be given equal focus. The earlier income generation module of international workshops will be continued. These programs will raise part of the funds required to run the organization. Income generation programs As part of income generation scheme, two new programs that have been planned are 1] Artists, artisans and designers residency and 2] International Institutions Collaborations. Alongside, the earlier programs of workshops etc. 1] Artists, artisans and designers residency The residency is designed for visual artists, designers and traditional artisans from India and abroad. An application call for project proposals related to the crafts of Kutch will be sent out. Selected candidates will visit KRV to train under and create collaborative work with artisans. The candidates will support their residency financially by paying for travel, boarding, food, material costs and a small fee. II] International Institutions Collaborations KRV is working towards forging collaboration with universities and educational institutions across the world to create exchange programs and workshops. These will be paid for by the university/institutions. The nature of the collaboration will vary in each case. Workshops conducted Before the session start Kala Raksha Artisans are be a part of Living Blue Workshop at KRV. The Kala Raksha, family was excited and ecstatic to conduct this workshop as it was the first step to restart things after a period of upheaval that occurred two years ago.

5 The workshop are led by one of the pioneers of Design Anthropology Associate Professor Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall from Swinburne University of Technology, along with Dr. Shilpa Das, Coordinator of International Programs, NID and V. Sakthivel, Faculty of Textile Design and Studio Coordinator for Dyeing and Printing Studio also from NID. Students of NIFT-Raebareli along with their faculty Ayan Tiwari, interacted with Rabari artisans of Tundavandh and researched the Rabari traditions. In another workshop held at Tundavandh The Year so far at KRV This year, the session at KRV started in July 2015 with the Artisans practicing of 6 different crafts getting admission for the year long training. the first session was held for the Color course for the women students and was taught by Ms. Carmina Fernandes NID faculty, the girls students comprised of two Tie & dye artisans, two Rabari embroidery artisans and 3 suf embroidery artisans. This was followed by the course for the men conducted by Mr. Pradip Patil, an NID graduate. 1 Block Print artisan, 2 artisans from Weaving, one from Batik Print and two from Tie &dye made up this group. The age group of the artisans ranged from 14 years To 40 years. The artisans belonged to different villages, communities and religion. Most of them had

6 come to the first class with the idea of learning about their own crafts. The course introduced and examined color as a prime factor of aesthetics. The overall educational objective of this session included developing critical judgment and the ability to assess color in work, and developing critical thinking skills related to color. Specific objectives of this course were to teach students how colors are made, perceived and used. Students were taught to make color combination for different effects, and to understand color interaction and proportion. Through group work, critiques and observation exercises, students developed appreciation of nature, pride in their own tradition, and understood connections among traditions. Students learnt about contrasting colors on the color wheel and created a contrasting color scheme. A book on Mexican Textiles came in handy as an inspiration to the students. I had thought that I will be taught bandhni techniques. I did not know that in the session on color we would be taught the theory and aspects of colors, said Tarannum Khatri. Has changed the way I look. Now I can see all colors are from Nature. said Anas Khatri THE FUTURE OF KRV Despite the resounding success and continual creative explorations, the future of KRV s site remains a question. Due to the setting up of the two thermal power plants around the present location of the school the need to change locations is of paramount concern. Relocation will incur huge costs in terms of money, time and spiritual energy. Nonetheless we are optimistic look forward to an exciting and ambitious plan to scale up and serve the artisan communities. We look tour supporters to help us through the period ahead!

7 SUPPORT KALA RAKSHA VIDHYALAYA KRV relies entirely on donations. Your generous contribution can help! Every contribution in affordable increments will count! and much appreciated Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya has been initiated with generous funding from All Together Now International, Art Action, Bestseller Fund, the COMO Foundation, The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) (Government of India), Eileen Fisher, Project Marigold, UNESCO, and private donors. However, Kala Raksha needs further financial assistance to firmly establish Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya. As the Vidhyalya will have to relocate, funding for the new location, reconstruction and move is of high priority. In this year, Adani Foundation donates 3, 00,000 for support activity of Vidhyalaya and Elizabeth Tunstall has Sponsored 1 Student. We need the remaining amounts of the course urgently so that the course can be run smoothly and continually Your generous contribution can help! Sponsor a Student and enjoy his/her success for just RS 65,000 ($1015) In addition, we are seeking support for An Alternative mode of Electricity at the facility as an endowment. Every contribution in affordable increments will count! HOW TO HELP You can simply wire transfer funds to Kala Raksha s account. We need to report all funds, so please when making a contribution, let us know by from whom it is made and for what purpose. info@kala-raksha.org FUNDING NEEDS 2015 INR US$ Visiting Faculty 2,40, Staff Salary 5,04, scholarships (to cover operations) - 7,15, INR 65,000/student Study tour 2,30, Convocation Event/Fashion Show 4,50, Student Exchange 72, Educational Materials/Prototype 100, TOTAL 23,11, ,106 Kala Raksha s FCRA Account information ICICI Bank- Hospital Road, Bhuj, Kutch (India) Account number is SWIFT no. is CHASUS 33xxx federal routing is For tax deductable donations of Indian origin: Bank of Baroda- Jubilee Circle, Bhuj, Kutch

8 Bank Account no: Bank Key 12 + BHUKUT Swift code: BARBINBBAKFT Send Us Information KRV seeks entries for our data base in the following categories: Buyers, Designers, Suppliers INDUSTRY PROJECTS Kala RakshaVidhyalaya seeks industry projects for graduates, highly skilled in textile arts, which can be carried out with KRV guidance. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Visiting Faculty Kala RakshaVidhyalaya seeks visiting faculty to teach in a range of topics. Classes run for two weeks intensive on our residential campus. We seek experience in design education, but more important we seek individuals ready to learn from artisans, and work in a team to develop a new institution. We want teachers who come with the sense that, I ve never done this before! For further information, contact designschool@kala-raksha.org or info@kala-raksha.org or call ,