The AHRC-funded project “Crafting a Sustainable Future: Empowering Indian Crafts in the Creative Industries”, funded under the “AHRC: India-UK research into creative industries and cultural heritage” programme, brings together arts, humanities, computing, textile technologies and organisational change.
The research investigates the relationship between technologies and key elements of contemporary craftsmanship, including skills, tacit knowledge, and materiality, to address key challenges such as fostering innovation within traditional crafts and improving market access. This will inform the development of sustainable and inclusive strategies to address practical challenges and preserve craft for future generations.
Building on existing expertise and collaborations, the project will be co-designed with local craftspeople in Jawaja, Rajasthan. Key themes which are examined include 1) the cultural and historical context surrounding craft production, 2) emerging practices to manage and share skills, knowledge, and resources, as well as how the meaning and value of these products shift as they are introduced to different markets, and 3) how mechanisation and innovation can enhance craftsmanship, including the role that computing technologies in the production, marketing, and distribution of crafts. Improving knowledge and understanding in these aspects offers artisans potential for growth and sustainability as creative industries.
Work plan
The work plan contains a rich mixture of activities with carefully planned milestones and deliverables, through which the research methodology will be implemented addressing the research questions.