Crafting a Sustainable Future: Empowering Indian Crafts in the Creative Industries
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Brighton
Department Name: Sch of Architecture Tech & Eng (SATE)
Abstract
This project will advance our current understanding of and make a substantial contribution to digital innovation in the modern creative landscape of Indian craft. It focuses on the relationship between digital technologies and key elements of contemporary craftsmanship, including skills, tacit knowledge and materiality. The project will explore the integration of digital innovations into traditional craft processes, as well as craft processes into digital innovation. As a result, it will inform the development of inclusive strategies to address practical challenges and promote sustainability.
Building on previous work and expertise from an interdisciplinary and international team, the project will design and establish an inclusive community of practice to co-develop the research in collaboration with artisans from the Jawaja community in India. Jawaja craft is deeply rooted in the region's rich cultural heritage. Through this collaboration, artisans will gain knowledge in terms of new materials, designs, techniques, and forms to make the design market relevant while respecting the craft. As a result, the project seeks to infuse new, fresh ideas and innovative approaches to traditional craft.
The research aims to co-develop approaches for the preservation of traditional techniques, skills and knowledge, as well as strategies for the development of Indian craft industries that speak to the agendas of artisans themselves. The research methodology has been designed effectively to achieve its aim employing a mixed-method approach including practice-based research. Most milestones and deliverables are clearly defined, including desk-based research reports, knowledge exchange, capacity-building activities, and artefacts created in collaboration between artisans and researchers. The research and output programme is also sufficiently flexible to allow for the requirements and values of the craft communities involved. For example, specific activities and artefacts will depend on community preferences.
The research team brings a wide network and substantial experience in disciplinary areas including material and visual culture, digital technologies, textile engineering, and organisational sociology. The research will produce outputs including academic publications, artefacts and visual outputs (depending on community preference) while generating a wide range of impacts. Furthermore, the project will create accessible resources that will be communicated through a dedicated project website and workshops in the UK and India, ensuring the broad dissemination of knowledge and insights gained to relevant stakeholders including artisans and craft organisations, academics, and the general public. This project's impact will be measured through indicators such as artisan engagement, evaluation of workshops, reception of crafted artefacts, and the reach of communication activities. The sustainability of the programme and its long-term impact will be prioritised aiming to empower artisans, enhance public understanding of craftsmanship, and benefit scholars and communities beyond the project's scope.
Building on previous work and expertise from an interdisciplinary and international team, the project will design and establish an inclusive community of practice to co-develop the research in collaboration with artisans from the Jawaja community in India. Jawaja craft is deeply rooted in the region's rich cultural heritage. Through this collaboration, artisans will gain knowledge in terms of new materials, designs, techniques, and forms to make the design market relevant while respecting the craft. As a result, the project seeks to infuse new, fresh ideas and innovative approaches to traditional craft.
The research aims to co-develop approaches for the preservation of traditional techniques, skills and knowledge, as well as strategies for the development of Indian craft industries that speak to the agendas of artisans themselves. The research methodology has been designed effectively to achieve its aim employing a mixed-method approach including practice-based research. Most milestones and deliverables are clearly defined, including desk-based research reports, knowledge exchange, capacity-building activities, and artefacts created in collaboration between artisans and researchers. The research and output programme is also sufficiently flexible to allow for the requirements and values of the craft communities involved. For example, specific activities and artefacts will depend on community preferences.
The research team brings a wide network and substantial experience in disciplinary areas including material and visual culture, digital technologies, textile engineering, and organisational sociology. The research will produce outputs including academic publications, artefacts and visual outputs (depending on community preference) while generating a wide range of impacts. Furthermore, the project will create accessible resources that will be communicated through a dedicated project website and workshops in the UK and India, ensuring the broad dissemination of knowledge and insights gained to relevant stakeholders including artisans and craft organisations, academics, and the general public. This project's impact will be measured through indicators such as artisan engagement, evaluation of workshops, reception of crafted artefacts, and the reach of communication activities. The sustainability of the programme and its long-term impact will be prioritised aiming to empower artisans, enhance public understanding of craftsmanship, and benefit scholars and communities beyond the project's scope.
