Enabling the Resurgence of Fine Textile Craft in India
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.
Walking Hand-in-Hand is an initiative of CDS Art Foundation that uses the format of fashion shows to showcase the very best of Indian textiles, while also spotlighting all the artisans involved in the creative process - the weavers, dyers, printers, painters, embroiderers, designers, tailors.
CDS Art Foundation has been consistently working to address fundamental challenges of the artisans, bringing process improvements and innovations to ensure the revival and rejuvenation of extinct and dying crafts.
To raise awareness of fine textiles as art, CDS Art Foundation has held exhibitions in cities in India and abroad, which have also helped to connect talented Indian artisans to the global craft community.
“At the age of 70, I got my recognition in the world of textiles- as a master artisan while collabrating with designer Rajesh Pratap for Walking-Hand-In-Hand by CDS Art Foundation.”
“CDS Art Foundation has guided and promoted my ancestral craft through Walking-Hand-In-Hand platform to continuously innovate and uplift Ajrakh hand block printing using natural dyes for national and international market.”
“I have no words to express the deep gratitude for the wonderful opportunity for ADIV to be a part of Walking-Hand-In-Hand platform. This quote by Shams Tabriz sums up what you mean to me- ‘There are more fake guides and teachers in the world than stars. The real guide is the one who makes you see your inner beauty, not the one who wants to be admired and followed.’”
“I just wanted to say thank you, for providing us an opportunity to collaborate with CDS ART FOUNDATION. The show depicted the symbiotic connection between the art and the artisans. The whole experience was highly empowering, commendable and left us with even more enthusiasm and zeal to explore many more art avenues.”
