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Our Projects..
Artisans of the Margin
Traditional arts practiced by indigenous and rural women, particularly those rooted in local customs and rituals, face the risk of disappearing. These crafts, tied to the cultural identities of the communities that practice them, often serve utilitarian or ceremonial purposes, but without proper market access, their future is precarious. While there is growing global demand for sustainable, authentic artisanal products, these lesser-known crafts rarely reach international markets. As interest in eco-conscious and ethical production rises, the unexplored potential of these crafts offers an immense opportunity for growth—if we act quickly to save them.
At Meraas Heritage Foundation, our project “Artisans of the Margin” seeks to bridge this gap. We focus on empowering tribal and indigenous communities, as well as rural women, whose craft traditions have been sidelined due to geographical isolation and cultural limitations.
This year, our project is centered on the women artisans of the Bathudi Tribe in Odisha, who practice the centuries-old craft of Sabai grass weaving.
At Meraas Heritage Foundation, our project “Artisans of the Margin” seeks to bridge this gap. We focus on empowering tribal and indigenous communities, as well as rural women, whose craft traditions have been sidelined due to geographical isolation and cultural limitations.
This year, our project is centered on the women artisans of the Bathudi Tribe in Odisha, who practice the centuries-old craft of Sabai grass weaving.
Kalāprabha (Radiance of Art)
This Social Responsibility initiative of "Meraas Heritage Foundation" aims to empower women in need by providing them vocational training in Indian Heritage Handicrafts.
For this we will partner with local non-profits that work with women and children, ensuring their goals align with our mission, and Expert Artisans & Trainers, who can lead the workshop in a conducive environment. The proposed workshops currently are for traditional crafts such as Batik printing, Tanjore painting, and Aari embroidery.
This initiative will not only help in preserving traditional art forms but will also provide sustainable employment opportunities for women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities.
Furthermore, Craftique Hub will provide these participants with Post-Workshop Support through follow-up sessions, advanced training, help in sourcing materials and also hiring trained participants for our current and future projects.
For this we will partner with local non-profits that work with women and children, ensuring their goals align with our mission, and Expert Artisans & Trainers, who can lead the workshop in a conducive environment. The proposed workshops currently are for traditional crafts such as Batik printing, Tanjore painting, and Aari embroidery.
This initiative will not only help in preserving traditional art forms but will also provide sustainable employment opportunities for women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities.
Furthermore, Craftique Hub will provide these participants with Post-Workshop Support through follow-up sessions, advanced training, help in sourcing materials and also hiring trained participants for our current and future projects.
Heritage Impression
"Artisanal Enrichment Program for Art, Photography & Design Students."
This enrichment program is designed for Art, Photography and Design students to visit and observe heritage crafts at their origin. This immersive experience allows students to gain firsthand exposure to the artisans' environments and witness the production processes shaped by regional climate, culture, and infrastructure.
By engaging directly with traditional crafts, students will not only develop a deeper appreciation for age-old craftsmanship but also find inspiration for new ideas. This program aims to explore the potential for integrating modern technology with traditional techniques, fostering innovation while preserving cultural heritage. Through this unique learning journey, students will enrich their understanding and creativity, bridging the gap between the past and the present in the world of art, photography and design.
This enrichment program is designed for Art, Photography and Design students to visit and observe heritage crafts at their origin. This immersive experience allows students to gain firsthand exposure to the artisans' environments and witness the production processes shaped by regional climate, culture, and infrastructure.
By engaging directly with traditional crafts, students will not only develop a deeper appreciation for age-old craftsmanship but also find inspiration for new ideas. This program aims to explore the potential for integrating modern technology with traditional techniques, fostering innovation while preserving cultural heritage. Through this unique learning journey, students will enrich their understanding and creativity, bridging the gap between the past and the present in the world of art, photography and design.
'MEERAS' Heritage Home Décor
Home Décor is one of the fastest evolving consumer goods range, that offers the unique opportunity of amalgamating sustainable, eco-friendly, heritage craft with home décor. The main objectives of this Project involve:
1. Preserve and Promote traditional craftsmanship by making heritage crafts relevant in contemporary settings.
2. Reducing environmental footprint associated with interior design by promoting use of sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and natural dyes, which are often utilized in heritage crafts.
3.Unique and Authentic aesthetics offering homeowners a way to differentiate their living spaces with distinctive, story-rich pieces.
4.Promotion of Ethical Consumerism, where we cater to the growing demand for ethical and responsible consumer choices. This promotes a market where the story behind the product is as valued as the product itself.
5.Fusion of Tradition and Innovation, encourages creative experimentation and the development of new design paradigms that honor tradition while embracing modern aesthetics and functionality.
"Meraas" an Arabic origin word refers to inheritance or legacy, appropriate to name this Project that aims to support a holistic design philosophy that values tradition, nature, and human creativity.
1. Preserve and Promote traditional craftsmanship by making heritage crafts relevant in contemporary settings.
2. Reducing environmental footprint associated with interior design by promoting use of sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and natural dyes, which are often utilized in heritage crafts.
3.Unique and Authentic aesthetics offering homeowners a way to differentiate their living spaces with distinctive, story-rich pieces.
4.Promotion of Ethical Consumerism, where we cater to the growing demand for ethical and responsible consumer choices. This promotes a market where the story behind the product is as valued as the product itself.
5.Fusion of Tradition and Innovation, encourages creative experimentation and the development of new design paradigms that honor tradition while embracing modern aesthetics and functionality.
"Meraas" an Arabic origin word refers to inheritance or legacy, appropriate to name this Project that aims to support a holistic design philosophy that values tradition, nature, and human creativity.
'Samanvaya' Cross-Craft Collaborations
"Samanvaya" a Sanskrit word signifies harmony, integration, and collaboration, highlights the project's aim to blend different artistic traditions into a harmonious and culturally rich collection of contemporary products.
This project focuses on the innovative potential of cross-craft collaborations, combining traditional craftsmanship practices to create unique and contemporary products. By fusing diverse crafts, such as Traditional Folk Paintings with Hand Embroidery, Pottery with Weaving, Folk Painting with Block Printing, and Batik with Folk Painting, we aim to develop products that appeal to a broader audience and breathe new life into forgotten skills. These creative fusions not only enhance the aesthetic and cultural value of the products but also foster a deeper appreciation for traditional crafts. Through this project, we hope to support artisans and improve cultural and technological exchange. This initiative stands as a testament to the rich potential of blending diverse craftsmanship to create unique products that are more appealing to the consumers.
Ongoing Project is Traditional Folk Painting adaptation in Aari Embroidery. The Folk Paintings chosen for this initiative are Gond, Tanjore and Pichwai.
This project focuses on the innovative potential of cross-craft collaborations, combining traditional craftsmanship practices to create unique and contemporary products. By fusing diverse crafts, such as Traditional Folk Paintings with Hand Embroidery, Pottery with Weaving, Folk Painting with Block Printing, and Batik with Folk Painting, we aim to develop products that appeal to a broader audience and breathe new life into forgotten skills. These creative fusions not only enhance the aesthetic and cultural value of the products but also foster a deeper appreciation for traditional crafts. Through this project, we hope to support artisans and improve cultural and technological exchange. This initiative stands as a testament to the rich potential of blending diverse craftsmanship to create unique products that are more appealing to the consumers.
Ongoing Project is Traditional Folk Painting adaptation in Aari Embroidery. The Folk Paintings chosen for this initiative are Gond, Tanjore and Pichwai.
Craft Connect Digital Platform
Creating a digital model to enhance collaboration between contemporary designers and heritage craftsmen involves integrating multiple elements that facilitate communication, collaboration, and innovation.
This model will feature comprehensive user profiles and portfolios, showcasing the skills and previous works of both designers and craftsmen. A virtual studio will provide a collaborative workspace where users can engage in real-time design processes, share ideas, and create prototypes. Messaging and video conferencing tools will be incorporated to ensure seamless communication, allowing instant feedback and discussions.
Additionally, a robust task management system will help in organizing projects, setting deadlines, and tracking progress, ensuring efficient and timely completion of collaborative efforts. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, fostering a synergistic environment that nurtures creativity and preserves cultural heritage.
This model will feature comprehensive user profiles and portfolios, showcasing the skills and previous works of both designers and craftsmen. A virtual studio will provide a collaborative workspace where users can engage in real-time design processes, share ideas, and create prototypes. Messaging and video conferencing tools will be incorporated to ensure seamless communication, allowing instant feedback and discussions.
Additionally, a robust task management system will help in organizing projects, setting deadlines, and tracking progress, ensuring efficient and timely completion of collaborative efforts. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, fostering a synergistic environment that nurtures creativity and preserves cultural heritage.
Collaborations
Collaborations & Collective enrichment are two of Our Core Values. We aim to build a comprehensive database of heritage crafts and artisans who are open to collaboration so as to enhance the aesthetic and commercial value of their creations. We also assess the potential for innovation in various craft forms, focusing on design and utility, to identify the most suitable crafts for collaboration. Below are the craft forms we have identified as the most promising for collaboration so far. For more details, please fill out the form at the end of this page.
Block Print
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