Jodhpur Arts Week

problem statement

India is home to the largest number of artisans in the world, with over 200 million people relying on handicrafts for their livelihoods. In Jodhpur, generations of artisans have honed their skills, creating intricate textiles, leatherwork, and handcrafted goods. However, economic barriers continue to threaten these traditions, making it difficult for artisans to access resources, markets, and sustainable income opportunities. Economic disparity has left many artisans struggling to sustain their craft, with limited access to affordable materials, tools, and fair-paying markets. Without structured opportunities, generations of knowledge risk fading into obscurity.

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the solution

This ongoing project is tackling these challenges through strategic initiatives that ensure both artistic expression and economic sustainability:

• Art as Livelihood: By transforming artisan work into commercial fashion pieces, these creations will not only be exhibited at prestigious showcases but will also be sold in global markets, ensuring continuity of income.

• Access to Resources: Artisans are provided with high-quality materials, tools, and design collaborations that enhance their craft while respecting its heritage.

• Market Expansion: Through digital platforms, curated exhibitions, and partnerships with ethical fashion brands, these handcrafted pieces will reach customers who value craftsmanship, creating demand beyond local markets.

• Preserving Heritage While Innovating: By integrating contemporary aesthetics with time-honoured techniques, Jodhpur’s artisans are shaping a future where heritage is not just preserved but thrives in new, evolving spaces.

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social innovation

Jodhpur’s artisans are not relics of the past, they are the heart of living heritage, creating pieces that carry stories, skill, and cultural identity. Supporting this work means investing in craftsmanship that refuses to be forgotten. Every purchase, every collaboration, and every voice that acknowledges their art ensures that these traditions remain not just in history books, but in the hands of those who keep them alive.