Craft Revival Program
Craftizen has successfully executed programs for revival of traditional craft clusters through skill enhancement, upgrading equipment & tools, design development and marketing support.
Impact
Design Innovation Lab in Channapatna, Karnataka
Craft Revival & Livelihood Centre in Cheriyal village, Telangana
Case Study
Design Innovation Lab: Channapatna
Channapatna lacquerware, a craft that traces its origins to the reign of Tipu Sultan in the late 1700s, has earned the town its nickname, "Gombegala Ooru" or "Toy Town of Karnataka." In 2022, Craftizen established a Design Innovation Lab in this historic toy cluster to modernize the craft and ensure its relevance in contemporary markets.
This traditional art form uses various woods such as rubber, pine, teak, and ivory-wood to create a diverse range of wooden products, including toys, puzzles, kitchenware, wall hangings, and decorative pieces.
Objectives
Partners
CSR Donor
Shilpa Trust
On-Ground Partner
Mike Foley of Foley Designs
Design Mentor
This initiative aims to preserve the heritage of Channapatna lacquerware while empowering artisans to adapt to modern market demands, blending tradition with innovation.
Case Study
Craft Revival Program: Cheriyal
Cheriyal Nakashi folk art from Telangana, known for vibrant paintings, masks, and storytelling scrolls.
Challenges:
Limited artisans (7 master families), lack of semi-skilled assistants, and minimal design innovation.
Intervention:
Trained 35 women to support master artisans and meet demand.
Conducted design workshops for 15 master artisans with sculptor Karl Antao to foster innovation.
Achievements:
New products like magnets and smaller masks using traditional techniques.
Steady incomes for women artisans and increased earnings for master artisans.
