Help Rural Artisans

India has gained praise from people all around the world for its rich culture, tradition, and artistic creations. Craftsmanship and artistic expression have always provided a living in rural places. In the past, artisans received a great deal of respect, awe, and adoration. The decline in demand for traditional handicrafts over time due to the effect of industrialisation, however, has made it difficult for local artisans in India to survive. The brilliance, originality, and diligence of rural craftsmen and their traditional artistry have been overshadowed by the rise of machine-made goods, a lack of possibilities, and a lack of demand. It’s important to support talented craftspeople and use contemporary marketing to showcase their talents. Rural craftspeople suffer greatly from low technological adoption, a lack of market knowledge, and weak institutional support from artisan associations. We, at Pramadaya Foundation, are providing the basic support to these artisans to create their beautiful arts 7 crafts and create opportunities for them to reach the global market and get recognition for their work. It is our responsibility to preserve our talents, unique artworks, beauty and enriched tradition. By empowering them and offering support, we can help them with opportunities to flourish their skills and abilities with financial benefits.

To address the challenges of artisans, the government of India has taken several initiatives but as a non-governmental organization, we feel that rural artists also need our support to survive in this competitive era. We give them a platform from which they can promote and sell their products even on the international market.

Summary

Lack of expertise, limited exposure to information and technology, lack of formal training, lack of promotional campaigns, non-competitive products, etc. are issues that the unorganized sector of artisans is facing today. The rivalry from the side of mills, power looms, and organized units is increasing day by day. They are compelled to offer their products at lower prices since they are unable to compete with industries. Handicrafts are no longer in high demand because of how industrialization has altered peoples’ demands and lifestyles. The time has come to nourish the artists of our country. We need to support them and insist that they increase the production of regional artwork and handcrafted goods manufactured by talented artisans in order to maintain the old culture, artistry, and tradition of our nation. Together, let’s use our online presence and business promotion to highlight the amazing culture that has existed for centuries.

Challenge

Lack of technology and skill-improving opportunities: Typically, artisans pass down their profession down the generations. There aren’t many organizations that can assist craftspeople in developing new skills or innovating their existing processes. An artisan’s cluster’s trade is not covered by training provided by industrial training institutions. Many artists lack access to infrastructure such as practical workspace, storage areas, etc.

Lack of funding: In order to complete a piece of work seamlessly, artists need sufficient money to buy expensive materials. In our country, maximum rural artisans are facing financial challenges throughout their life. The lack of money and access to credit and loan facilities severely hurts the craft industry. The low percentage of loans given to craftsmen is attributed by banks to poor recovery rates, improper use of funds, a lack of outlets for selling finished goods, and uneducated borrowers. This typically drives artists to take out expensive loans from their neighborhood moneylender or trader.

High Competition: Rural crafts face intense competition in modern marketplaces due to the effects of globalization and the resulting availability of cheaper and more diversified items. They are frequently seen as traditional, ancient, and antithetical to contemporary trends. Few efforts are being made to improve the perception of crafts and increase customer appreciation of the history and cultural identity connected to handmade goods.

External Competition: Other Asian nations also pose a significant threat to Indian artists. The particularly potent competitor is China. Machines in China are used to produce handmade goods made in India. China has the ability and can produce in large quantities, however, India cannot produce due to a lack of labor. Furthermore, there are no product standards in Indian manufacturing. Both enough infrastructure and knowledge of contemporary technological developments and business trends are lacking in India.

Our Initiatives:

• E-Commerce platforms: Small businesses can now reach a global audience by showcasing their products thanks to technology. The artisans and craftsmen can operate comfortably from their hometowns and offer their beautiful work to a large audience through e-commerce platforms. India’s handicraft has the potential to become more popular and in demand on a worldwide scale, boosting its economy and enhancing the standard of living for many rural artisans. By associating with other organizations, we provide an online platform to rural artisans to showcase their craftsmanship and sell their work to the international audience.

• Reinvesting plans: You can discover extraordinary beauty and originality in the regional art if you visit rural villages. We can maintain India’s traditional artistic culture and creativity by reinvesting money in rural artisans and craftspeople. Additionally, by making this investment, rural artisans will be able to restart their faltering careers and India’s wonderful artwork will finally receive the praise and acclaim it so well deserves. With your earnest support, we try to develop a reinvesting plan for the artworks of rural artists and help them to overcome financial challenges.

• Conducting workshops: We try to assist the craftsmen in learning contemporary art techniques that can be incorporated into traditional approaches to boosting their knowledge and competence by planning and leading skill development seminars and programs. Such initiatives are required to bring rural craftsmen’s abilities up to date. By regular workshops, we are trying to help them to keep the tradition of arts and enhance their skills in their fields.

Long-Term Impact India’s enriched history of arts and culture is going to face major difficulties. Due to the lack of proper nourishment, artisans can not continue the growth of their art journey. Lack of financial support and proper infrastructure also harm rural artisans in our country. Rural artists are getting less privilege than urban artists, but the origin of ancient artworks is mainly situated in rural areas. With your support, we try to support these artisans and help them accordingly to enhance their skills and make a presence in the global market for their products. We hereby request you to contribute in whatever manner you may, be it donation, buying their masterpiece or finding a market for them.

80G Tax Exemption:

Your donation will qualify for tax exemption under section 80G. You may request for a certificate from  support@pramadayaindiafoundation.org once you make the donations.