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. Over the past 5 years CDS has enabled innovation, revival and collaboration with 40 crafts, 40 artisans, 40 designers. In a unique approach, many of the artisans and designers have walked the stage at the fashion shows, creating visibility for the artisan and craft as well as creating a market place for other practitioners of the craft.
The 5th edition of Walking Hand-in-Hand, held as two showings in January 2020 at the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Baroda and in February 2020 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, was titled “Royal Textiles of India” it focused on recreating the fine techniques and luxurious textiles that flourished under earlier royal patronage.
CDS Art Foundation works to address fundamental challenges of the artisans, bringing in process improvements and innovations to ensure the revival and rejuvenation of extinct and dying crafts.
To ensure the techniques of design and weaving of fine Benaras textiles are passed on to a new generation CDS Art Foundation has set up a school to provide a three-year training to young students in the technical and commercial skills needed to successfully continue the textile heritage of Benaras.
Along with Master Weavers of India, CDS Art Foundation has started a series of on-line talks to guide and mentor craft persons and artisans,along with giving them a community and a sense of hope, the forum provides actionable guidance specifically relevant during times of the Covid-19 pandemic and related downturn.
Over three years CDS Art Foundation has also facilitated the following:
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. Represented by Asif Shaikh, the Foundation has participated in workshops, forums and conferences.
