In a commendable initiative under the Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs (RCCH) project, supported by the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T), Government of West Bengal, UNESCO New Delhi organized an enlightening exhibition named “Daksha – Crafting Voices” at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture in Kolkata from June 21 to June 25, 2023. This exhibition not only displayed the rich traditional crafts of West Bengal but also aimed to bridge the gap between rural artists and urban markets, promoting the revival of ancestral skills and providing sustainable livelihoods.

Showcasing West Bengal’s Rich Heritage:

The exhibition, a part of UNESCO’s initiative, was a manifestation of the Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs project’s objective to uplift rural arts and revive traditional cultural practices. Held from June 21 to June 25, “Daksha – Crafting Voices” emphasized the fusion of tradition with contemporary lifestyle, showcasing the diverse traditional crafts of West Bengal.

Connecting Rural Crafts to Urban Markets:

The event served as a crucial alliance between rural artisans and urban designers, as well as organizations involved in the craft industry, including domestic markets, export spaces, hospitality, and interior decoration. The primary goal was to establish a direct link between rural craftspeople and the market, expanding the reach of their creativity and ensuring a sustainable source of income.

Preserving Cultural Heritage:

Recognizing the rich heritage of West Bengal in performing arts and crafts, the exhibition aimed to restore the dignity of rural artisans by providing them with income opportunities through the promotion of their ancestral knowledge and skills. The showcased traditional crafts included Sabai, Shola, Kantha, Madur, Sitalpati, Chau Mask, wooden masks, Dhokra, Kenjakura handloom, basketry, and Patachitra.

Panel Discussions and Collaborative Efforts:

As part of the exhibition, two insightful panel discussions were organized on “Crafts and Hospitality” and “Crafts for GenNEXT” on June 21 and 23, respectively. The panels featured academics, craft-preneurs, and representatives from private sector organizations, fostering a dialogue on the intersection of traditional crafts with contemporary markets.

Appreciation and Acknowledgments:

Ankush Seth and Chironjit Ganguly, representing UNESCO New Delhi, expressed gratitude to the community-based makers across West Bengal for their participation and dedication. They also acknowledged the relentless support of the Department of MSME and T, Government of West Bengal, in empowering grassroots-based communities. Ankush Seth urged market players to provide critical feedback to make future interventions market-ready.

The Daksha exhibition, with its vibrant display of West Bengal’s traditional crafts, not only celebrated cultural heritage but also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting these crafts for economic empowerment. The event’s success, marked by public participation and support from esteemed organizations, underscores the role of local culture and products in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 8, by including disadvantaged rural communities in social and economic growth.

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