Creative Dignity is a movement that has brought together diverse creative producers, practitioners, and professionals to energize the ecosystem that Indian artisans need in this time of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 impact. Our focus is to provide relief, and rejuvenation to the artisans in a bid to ensure their sustained prosperity.
Our vision is to enable artisans to become equal and active participants in building a thriving ecosystem of the future that brings well-being for the planet and people.
VISION
A world where artisans have agency to thrive with dignity.
MISSION
Enabling knowledge, tools and networks for artisans to be equal stakeholders in creating regenerative economies.
OUTREACH AND NETWORK
INR 1.43+ Cr
was raised in 2020 and 2021 collectively
12400+
Covid relief kits were distributed in 2020 & 2021
16,500
artisans were supported in 2020
350+
digital catalogs got made and shared on the CD website
130+
artisans got on-boarded onto various marketing platforms for online sales
Rs.5 Cr
worth of stocks got liquidated through the platforms, exhibitions and whatsapp sales.
12
online marketplaces collaborated with CD to open out marketing opportunities for artisans
350+
student interns
400+
professionals from the ecosystem
Newsletter
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#CreativeDignity
@sethswati has over twenty years of diverse work experience spread across design, e-commerce, digital media, artisanal sector, and cultural experiences space. Swati has traveled extensively in rural India to explore and learn about indigenous cultures and their homegrown, unique artisanal products, food, and traditions. As a passionate advocate and promoter of indigenous Indian crafts, she wanted to work with the weavers and artisans at the grassroots.
In 2010, she decided to quit the corporate rat race to
start @thecolorcaravan and has been working at the grassroots with artisanal communities to empower them and sustain and promote indigenous craft skills.
In 2016, she took another leap of faith which resulted in she and The Color Caravan moving to the hills with the intent of slowing down and working with the local craft community and the village women. She also curates and facilitates cultural immersive experiences focusing on indigenous crafts, food and forest healing.
A farm girl at heart, she is striving for a slow paced, self-sufficient and intentional life based out of Naggar, a quaint village in the Kullu valley, from where she has also played a key role in representing, actioning and being Creative Dignity - Himachal Pradesh.
Like a Swati you can too add to the movement, catalyze it and make it your own. Become a CD member - link in bio!
Edem Chandana an Ikat weaver from Yadagiri, Telangana, is the youngest weaver in her village, having learned the art from her father at the age of fifteen. After her father’s demise in 2018, Chandana, who is now eighteen years old, is responsible for not just her mother and younger brother, but also forty other weavers who work alongside her.
An excellent weaver with an impeccable hold on yarn tie-die, ikat and telia rumal techniques, Chandana says
"I am not able to digest the downfall of the weaving industry. People of my generation are leaving this craft. I hope to bring about a change to this sector. I planning a workshop to teach people weaving skills and give a direction to the next generation of weavers. I want to reshape the weaving industry."
Chandana actively shares her design process and creations on @srinath_fabrics , please reach out to her to buy or simply follow her journey through exceptional weaves, stories, and products.
#IamHandloomingit #dilseHandloom #handloom #handmadeinindia #vocalforlocal #artisandirect #buyfromartisans #supporthandmade #womanled #supportwomen #weaversofIndia #telangana #saree #ikat #teliarumal #ikatweave #design #designedinIndia #masterartisan #artisan #tie-and-dye #naturaldye #buytherealthing #culturalfashion #ethicalfashion #sustainable #choosehandmade #buyhandmade #buyfromweavers
In her article for the Artisan x Designer series by @thevofashion @goradia.meera , Creative Digntity’s network anchor and a craft consultant with more than thirty years of experience, writes about the resurging value of civil society collaborations and how this could benefit the artisans. Through this article, Meera hopes to continue the conversation around an inclusive creative industry where the cultural capital of each creative practitioner is credited and safeguarded not just by law but by social contract. Read the full article on VOF’s website.
Reposted from @thevofashion 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲?
A series that debates with fashion designers, craft practitioners, handloom scholars, NGOs and artisans on IPR in Indian craft and design. And why the debate must move beyond Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Read, Listen, Comment. Starting next week, only on The Voice of Fashion.
@jayajaitly @goradia.meera @lailatyabji @ritusethi123 @ritukumarhq @labelritukumar @craftrevivaltrust @craftscouncilofindia @delhicraftscouncil @creativedignity @sabyasachiofficial @hm @anitadongre @rohitbalofficial @taruntahiliani @dastkar.delhi @dastkarihaatsamiti @industreefoundation @industreeskills @ram.gita @aiacanewdelhi @sreyamozumdar @tata_trusts @goodearthindia @neroliblooms @fabindiaofficial @fibre2fashion @rehwasociety @cdsartfoundation @ekibekiassociation @sanatkada @radhikaraje @sashaft.social @antaran_transformingcrafts
@sanjrishi @school_demolition @thecolorcaravan @asifembroidery @womenweave #artisansofindia #artisans #debate #ownership #artsandcrafts #fashionindustry #fashionindustry #letstalk #handloom #weaversofindia #weavers #thevofashion
In India and our traditions, craft has always been inclusive, culturally significant, and linked to millions of livelihoods. De-linking traditional producers from the tradition itself, harms the prospects of artisans in the long run.
#StandupforArtisans #StandupforHandmade #ValueArtisans.
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#culturalappropriation #Sabyasachi #SabyasachiXHM #hm #Craftwashing
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#culturalsustainability #handmadeinindia #ethicalfashion #sustainablefashion #handmade #indiandesign #design #culturalcapital #indiantextiles #indiancraft #culturalsustainability #supporthandmade #whomademyclothes #sanganeriprint #blockprint #tradition #vocalforlocal #livelihoods #knowwhatyoubuy #buytherealthing
An open letter to @sabyasachiofficial on behalf of the Artisan Sector.
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#StandupforArtisans #StandupforHandmade #ValueArtisans.
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#culturalappropriation #culturalsustainability #Sabyasachi #SabyasachiXHM #handmadeinindia #hm #Craftwashing
#ethicalfashion #sustainablefashion #handmade #indiandesign #design #culturalcapital #indiantextiles #indiancraft #culturalsustainability #supporthandmade #whomademyclothes #sanganeriprint #blockprint #tradition #vocalforlocal #livelihoods #knowwhatyoubuy #buytherealthing
Badly hit by the pandemic, the artisans of our country need love and support, now more than ever. Artisan Direct Showcase is our solution to the mounting inventory issues faced by the artisans unable to reach potential buyers and appreciators of craft directly. We invite all craft enthusiasts, businesses, or individuals to shop and source directly with the artisans through the showcase. Join this free, no-strings-attached group through easy sign-up, and explore 350+ diverse well-documented craft catalogs, from all parts of the country every day. Find the one that fits your aesthetics, we connect you directly with the maker and voilà!
Click the link in bio to sign up!
#buytherealthing #buydirectlyfromartisans #supporthandmade #supportartisans #artisanmade #creativedignity #covid19 #livelihoods #artisanlivelihoods #supportlocal #vocalforlocal #handmadeinIndia #buylocal #buyindian #madeinIndia #ArtisanDirect #catalogues #showcase #curated #easytosignup #sourcingmadeeasy #buyingmadeeasy #buyartisnal #supportinglocalartisans #culturalheritage #indianculture #knowwhatyoubuy #indianartisans #indiancrafts
As we celebrate India's 75th Independence Day, we wanted to shed some light on what the Handloom sector looks like. Data from the 2019-20 census shows the large percentage of women engaged in weaving as well as the drastic decline in number of weavers in the decade. Following the pandemic, we have seen a sharp rise in unsold inventory as a result of traditional sales channels coming to a halt. Even before 2020, about 66-67% of weavers had a monthly income of under INR 5000 coupled with high levels of debt.
While the pandemic has affected us all in varying degrees, it has also brought to the surface an already looming thread to India’s Handloom sector. We have seen a rise in the number of non-operational looms and many weavers are switching to labour based jobs.
This a pivotal time where we need to think about the way we consume. Let’s make it our mission to #rehabilitatehandloom. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll share opportunities for you to participate to become part of the solution.
** Please note a correction in the data. 31.44L is the number of weaver households not the number of workers. At an average of 1.12 household members being handloom workers, the total count as per the last census is 35.22L.
On the 75th year of Independence, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our country and our people. We are reminded of Gandhiji’s vision for India and the value he attributed to the Handloom sector to preserve our culture and tradition, and its role to alleviate poverty.
He said, “People do not understand the true worth of Handloom. Not only is it a heirloom product but defines the pulse of India that not only sees unity in its vast diversity but also empowers a vast section of society that constitutes a rural population, which have agriculture and handloom weaving as their livelihood and which provide a mainstay to India’s economy”.
As we celebrate 75 years of freedom, let’s pledge to support and empower our fellow Indians.
#75thindependenceday #swadeshi #jaihind #makeinindia #dilseHandloom #IamHandloomingit
What a lovey articulation of the wonders that exist in watching a loom at work! Thank you @diamirzaofficial for sharing this powerful message with those that look up to you and showing your support for the weavers.
Reposted from @diamirzaofficial There is so much to love, respect and treasure about our #IndianHandlooms!!!
Have you ever witnessed our master craftsmen/women at work? It is easily one of the most spellbinding processes. The precision and fluidity with which those hands and feet move so perfectly synchronised with the rhythm of the loom creating poetry in motion…
These craft forms are ours to celebrate everyday ❤️
Let’s come together to celebrate the culturally rich and incredible textiles of India. Let’s appreciate the hands behind the looms that work meticulously to weave the finest of the fabrics.
#DilseHandloom #IamHandloomingit #CreativeDignity #SDGs #GlobalGoals #NationalHandloomDay
@aradhana_nagpal along with @creativedignity and @antaran_transformingcrafts have initiated #DilSeHandloom #IAmHandloomingIt and it is to spread the message of love, respect and a way for us to come together to show our support for our crafts people.
This is a forever #Saree by @raw_mango 😍
Photo by @khamkhaphotoartist @sardarsinghvirk
A 31 year old single mother of a toddler from Jaitpur barabanki, UP. Shabnam Bano stepped out of her house in terribly bad circumstances but broke all barriers and now she has a group of 22 weavers with her. She loves learning new weaving techniques and designs and also teaching her own skills to others. She is extremely hopeful for her future as a weaver. She has been practising this craft for the last 12 years as well as travelling with her products doing the marketing herself. She says "nobody liked when I started weaving but now for me there's no looking back".
Look at her amazing work @shabnam_weaves
#IamHandloomingit
#HandbehindtheLoom
##dilseHandloom
Starting early, Tushar Solanki had a clear vision of his growth. With his skills as a Pattu weaver, a unique design style, foresight and the zeal to learn, Tushar wants to grow his business online. He not only built a digital catalog with CD and made the most effective use of it but also inspired other artisans to make one for themselves!
He his always excited by a new opportunity and actively engages on social media to find new audiences.
Have a look at his innovative designs @bandhan7766 @tushar_.solanki
#dilseHandloom #IamHandloomingit #HandbehindtheLoom
Learning early from his parents and surroundings, Nitin Goud was always inspired to take his family's handloom work to the next level with his entrepreneurial and design skills, especially those he imbibed @thehandloomschool. Nitin enjoys managing and grounding his page @ruhi_handloom , studying the market trends, exploring mood boards and fresh design ideas, and drafting his ideas on paper while his family brings these imaginations to life!
Visit @ruhi_handloom to see Nitin and his family's beautiful creations that are an ode to their Maheshwari weaving dharohar (heritage).
#dilseHandloom #IamHandloomingit #HandbehindtheLoom
Reposted from @theillusioncult “Life is a loom, weaving Illusion.”
- Vachel Lindsay
I am kind of a person who gets lost in admiring the visible yet impalpable layers in a tiger eye stone, shrieking with joy to find an incredible color in the sky or flabbergast at the dual tones some flowers have.
The criss cross of threads, one over the other, emerging as a beautiful pattern forever is one such delight.
Criss cross is what I drew on my hand, to reiterate the fact that I am #dilsehandloom ,to join an initiative by none other than @lailatyabji Ma’m, calling handloom lovers to participate in #iamhandloomingit
Draped my favorite #weavesofodisha #bichitrapuri @handloomcrush and paired it with #pochampally blouse to have maximum intersections on a pic 😬
Thanks styledbysatish for nominating me, such an honor to be identified by dearest friend.
I further nominate @ambikanair @shaystories @kamalagopaliyer @eeshitajoneja @swaginasaree and @deepthi_ramkrishna to join . Pic can be even just of hand with symbol drawn on it, kept on the weave of ur choice. For details, please check Lailaji’s post.
Surely don’t want to miss following latest themes
#monsoondrapes @sixyardgrail
#augustviaviolet @mysareespectrum
Have a good time!
#sareeingkeepsmegoing #sareespeak #vocalforlocal #sareestyling #splendoursofodishaweaves #sareesofinstagram #sotd #ootd #odishaweaves #handloomsaree #andamloandhra #sareesofinsta #sareeinthetimeofcoronaquarantine #gullygullypochampally #sareelove #doubleikat #odishahandlooms #sambalpurisilk #sareenotsorry #doubleikkat #nationalhandloomday2021 #pasapalli #10sareesinaugust2021
Check out the lovely creations @bindi_weaves_of_bengal ❤❤
Reposted from @bindi_weaves_of_bengal Cottons from the Bengal Region were and still are considered one of the finest Cotton fabrics around the world.
Bengal has numerous Clusters and each Cluster has their specilalized unique Weaves.
Begumpuris Sarees are only Woven in the small Town of Begumpur.
The simple cotton handloom sarees are know for their eye catching colour combinations and attractive borders and pallus. Originally, they had lower count cotton sarees, mostly 60, but currently, they have introduced fine 100 count cottons as well.
The booming popularity lead to a number of copies at different places at a lower price, but the copies are nowhere near the cotton quality of the original.
Wearing a 100 count Begumpuri with Fish Motifs and Vertical Buti Stripes.
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Dm for Inquiries and Price
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#dilsehandloom #iamhandloomingit #begumpurisaree #begampuri #begumpur #handloom #handloomcotton #handsofwestbengal
Reposted from @danggeetika Celebrate the rich heritage of handloom.
Let’s salute all the wearers and craft communities who have tirelessly worked to preserve the country's craft and heritage.
#dilsehandloom #iamhandloomingit @creativedignity @stutigupta13
Nominate 5 people who love Indian handloom, spread the message and let’s come together to show our support! Ask them to draw the weave sign on their hand, pick their favourite loom and post a story or post, use the hashtags I have used above and tag @creativedignity.
I nominate @ishuug @ishitakhirbat @sudiptamittal20 @malvika.khajuria @shraddhaa.amarpuri @jiasingh @shraddhamodi @naina.pachnanda @deepikanagpal.gupta @deekayinsta @dishabsubramanium @sneha_sahai
Reposted from @stutigupta13 Celebrating our rich heritage of Indian textiles and the creative hands behind the looms, all day, everyday.
#dilseHandloom #IamHandloomingit @creativedignity
Let’s kickoff National Handloom Day on 7th August with a celebration. Let’s come together to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and the skill involved in creating India’s finest textiles. Here's what you can do:
STEP 1: Draw the weave symbol on your hand. Pick out your favourite handloom textile and photograph it, making sure your hand is in the shot. You can choose to wear it, hold it up or display it any way you like. Repost the picture on your wall with the hashtags #dilseHandloom & #IamHandloomingit If you're making a reel, share the story this textile tells about you and hashtags #dilseHandloom & #IamHandloomingit You can also repost this picture on your wall with the hashtags #dilseHandloom & #IamHandloomingit ** If you prefer to share your image as a story, please tag us in it.
STEP 2: Tag 5 people who love Indian Handloom as much as you do! Let's spread the message & come together to show our support to the hands behind the loom.
Reposted from @poojakaloy_official 7th national handloom day 2021
#dilsehandloom #iamhandloomingit
Reposted from @millenial_nari #सुकून
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#dilsehandloom
#iamhandloomingit
#nationalhandloomday
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#maheshwarisaree
#narmadaleherborder
#vocalforlocal
#handloomlover
#irepeatmysarees
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#anoddmillenial
Reposted from @solange.suri Happy National Handloom Day! Should've done it yesterday #butitsnevertoolate #dilsehandloom #iamhandloomingit #7thaug