If we lose our craft,
we lose our culture


India’s rich textile heritage spans thousands of years, with references going back 5,000 years in archeology and literature, to fine textiles being used as garments or being traded far across the borders of the country. Many of those ancient textile skills of weaving, dyeing, embroidery and fabric painting have been passed down from generation to generation often nurtured by royal patronage and discerning consumers. Changing times have seen diminished support for fine crafts resulting in an erosion in high quality handmade textiles. The Covid-19 pandemic and related economic slowdown and loss of support for fine craft has made the need for support and collaboration even more urgent.

With the intention of preserving, nurturing and showcasing India’s abundant textile heritage, Craft Design Society Art Foundation (CDS) was set up in 2017. Founded by Asif Shaikh, a master artisan, the foundation aims to take the best of Indian textiles to the world.

CDS Ideology

Enable the resurgence of fine textile craft in India

Achieve the vision by delivering in three key areas:


Art

Elevating fine textiles craft to the level of art

  • CDS will identify and nurture master artisans from across India to produce museum quality textiles
  • Build awareness and pride in the deep heritage, skill and social impact of craft - in India and globally
  • Encourage innovation and global best practices in form and design while maintaining purity of craft heritage

Artisan

Build pride in skills and heritage of artisans to sustain fine craft

  • Showcase artisans at the center of all initiatives
  • Create an ecosystem that supports and sustains master craft persons and authentic techniques and incubates new generations of artisans at the highest level of skill

Access

Become the preferred single point of access for fine Indian textile craft

  • CDS will become the go-to place of reference for textile craft from India for museums, textile & design schools, historians
  • Create a global marketplace – facilitate direct connections between artisans, designers, customers – in India and globally

The people behind CDS Art Foundation


Board of Directors

ASIF SHAIKH

Trained as an interior designer, is one of India’s most accomplished and acclaimed embroidery and textile experts. He is best known for his deep knowledge, aesthetics and detailing, as well as for going the extra mile in order to produce excellent quality handcrafted textiles. He is the founder of CDS Art Foundation, a movement that aims to take Indian handcrafted textiles to the world stage alongside the best global brands, and to place the creating artisans at the heart of the endeavor. In addition to recognition for his work in embroidery, he is also the creative visionary behind Walking Hand - in – Hand, Working Hand-in-Hand, as well as the curator for his experiential exhibits around the world. Asif regularly speaks at textile forums in around the world and continues to mentor artisans and crafts people all over the country.

VILLOO MIRZA

Armed with an educational background of Art and Design from Baroda Fine Arts and NID inputs, Villoo Mirza has a keen interest in history of art and culture. She served in the development corporation for 12 years as Chief Designer, facilitating artisans to compete with the contemporary markets with design and material innovations. Also established the National Institute of Fashion Technology, NIFT in Gujarat and built up Research and Development section to explore the technology part of apparel industry and jewellery design. She joined as Strategic Consultant in SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre to set up supply chain with the grassroots level rural and urban artisans to create a brand to cater to the contemporary global market.

H H RADHIKARAJE GAEKWAD

Born into the princely family of Wankaner, Gujarat, Radhikaraje graduated in History (Hons) from Lady Shri Ram College and attained masters degree in medieval Indian history from Delhi University. She worked as a journalist with Indian Express before marrying Samarjirsinh Gaekwad and moving to Baroda. Presently she is actively involved in running family trusts such as the Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya and Maharaja Fatehsinh Museum Trust. She is also patron of the Heritage Trust, an organisation instrumental in bringing the monumental complex of Champaner on the World Heritage Sites list. Radhikaraje is also aiding hermother in law, Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad in reviving the lost old weaving techniques of Chanderi, an intrinsic aspect of royal Maratha sartorial traditions.



Advisory Board

Ingrid Sahu

With a life-long passion for art and craft, Ingrid pursued a corporate career with several global multi-national companies managing countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa. She now uses her corporate skills and experience to create innovative and contemporary connections for craft.