Our Story

WhatsApp Image 2021-11-27 at 2.34.50 PM

History

Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya founded the Crafts Council of India in 1964. She has pioneered many social and political causes but CCI has been very dear to her. She strived to enhance the working conditions, welfare and economy of artisans and weavers through skill training, marketing and innovation. She was a true visionary who sought to find solutions for the craft industry. CCI consists of volunteers who share a passion to work for the enhancement of crafts and artisans. It is a not-for-profit organization that has its headquarters in Chennai with 12 regional councils spread across India that are affiliated to World Crafts Council.

Vision

  • To see artisans become entrepreneurs, designers and recognize the potential of their craft!
  • To research on marketing strategy!
  • To create patronage among our citizens for our crafts and weaves!
  • To bring national and international exposure to our crafts and weaves!
  • To bring awareness among our youth for handlooms and crafts!
  • To spread the word, handloom fabrics can be ‘cool and fashionable’!
  • To have at least 30% handlooms in our wardrobe!
  • To make crafts as usable household products! Innovation!
  • To collaborate with like-minded institutions!
  • To empower our members to push their boundaries!
  • To bring in Craft Tourism and showcase our crafts and weaves in their natural surroundings!

Behind the scenes

Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh started in 2015 with a team of 27 volunteers from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada who had the experience and dedication to work with crafts and weaves of the region. The team works as facilitators for weavers and artisans, creating marketing linkage, revival of languishing crafts, developing innovative designs while being in sync with tradition.