This resource base is managed by the Craft Revival Trust (CRT).

The content sourced from a wide, credible and knowledgeable network of researchers, practitioners, academics, students and others from across the world is recognized for its width of topics and authentic texts. With information added on regularly it forms a loose encyclopedia in its widest definition.

The Craft Revival Quarterly (www.craftrevival.org) covers an exhaustive spectrum of information and informed opinion on subjects relating to the handicraft, handloom, folk and tribal art and its practitioners in the South Asian region. By providing easy access to such information, we

• Document, collate and disseminate knowledge on aspects of cultural heritage

• increase the value and respect for heritage skills and products

• support other research initiatives

• encourage knowledge application

Taking cognisance of the fact that documentation, while useful, is not sufficient to ensure the continuity and vitality of living traditions, the Craft Revival Trust encyclo-journal also contains useful, practical information on various aspects of working in the crafts and development sector. Some of this data is featured under the section titled “Voice” which contains articles authored by individuals working in this industry based on their own experiences and learnings. Another section, titled “Case Study” examines specific models for development that are already in existence so as to allow for a pooling together of experiences and hopefully, to also facilitate a means of avoiding reinventing the wheel.

Further, we have created a network of institutions and persons functioning in related areas – whether it be geographical, ideological or subject areas. The encylo-journal critically also contains listings of craftspersons, organisations and institutions, designers, development workers etc.

Available on this site:

Information on Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Handicrafts, Handloom, Folk and Tribal Arts Listings of practicing artisans and craft organizations Gallery of designs, motifs & products

Bibliographies Museum listings Glossary of terms Learning from around the world Case Studies Accessing Markets

Voice – Individual views and opinions Learning Centre Advocacy and more

About us
The Craft Revival Trust (CRT), established in 1999, is a non-profit which is building an information and knowledge infrastructure for and on the Folk Arts, Crafts, Textiles and its practioners in the wider South Asian region. In Craft Revival Trust's experience the access and exchange of information and the subsequent interaction is the core that empowers and strengthens individuals and societies.

Web Encyclo-Journal
Since 1999 the e encyclo-journal, www.craftrevival.org has worked towards building an encyclopedia-guide. This platform has created a knowledge base, furthered an exchange of ideas and views between scholars, crafts people, craft support organizations, markets and craft buyers, created a platform for advocacy Updated regularly, additional information is included continuously.

Research and Publication

• In collaboration with UNESCO, CRT published, the first of its kind, directory on the crafts and handloom sector of India -. This CD directory contains a listing, writings and photographs of 677 crafts and textiles of India with contact details of 46411 artisans including award winners; 250 museums in India that host craft and textile collections; among other information.
  
  To purchase the CD, pleaseclick here.
  
  

• In collaboration with UNESCO and in collaboration with Artesanias de Colombia, the Craft Revival Trust published: ‘Designers Meets Artisans - A Practical Guide’.
  
  The need for this book arose from concerns expressed by artisans, craft activists and organizations across geographical boundaries for closer links between designers and artisans. While design intervention in crafts is welcomed by some as a necessity and an opportunity for new prospects, it is often considered by others as a threat.
  
  Designers Meet Artisans seeks to address these concerns in an objective manner and clarify the scope, processes and modalities of a proper design intervention in crafts. This book offers for the first time a dual presentation of the experiences of two countries - Colombia and India. The selected case studies illustrate how interesting ideas and new intervention models can be developed for several purposes, whether for revitalizing a languishing craft or for developing new products to create livelihoods.
  
  In the light of lessons learned about the development of effective partnerships, Designers Meet Artisans seeks to be a practical guide to designer-artisan interaction and the issues that arise in this interface. The book examines how a well-balanced and mutually beneficial relationship, applicable to a broad spectrum of the crafts sector worldwide can be developed.
  
  To purchase the Book, please click here.
  
  

• Document on the Hand Block printing tradition of over 24 centers of excellence
  
  

• Document on Hand Block carvers
  
  

• Research on the weavers of Varanasi and Chirala
  
  

• Research on Kantha embroidery
  
  

• Research on tribal arts and crafts
  
  

• Research for the Cultural Atlas of India
  
  

• Read recommendations for the Handloom Industry.
  
  

• Read article on GI
  
  

• Weavers of the famed Benarasi brocades are facing enormous threats as their traditional products are copied by Chinese industrialists and imported and sold in India at a fraction of the local price. A movement, spearheaded by Prof. Ashoke Chatterjee (Former Executive Director and Distinguished Fellow, NID, Advisor, Crafts Council of India, Board of Directors Aid to Artisans) and coordinated by Craft Revival Trust, has been initiated to consider what response might be possible for the future of craft communities and their values.
  
  All details are available on the e encyclo-journal www.craftrevival.org
  
  

• Through our various engagements with persons and organizations we are realizing that the concerns in the craft sector and need for documenting disappearing and endangered traditions extends beyond artisans to all communities involved with traditional livelihoods. Recognizing this, we have worked with wildlife conservationist Bahar Dutt to assist in the rehabilitation of the snake charmers of India whose occupation has been outlawed in the face of the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is an attempt to transfer their existing knowledge and skills to useful and sustainable methods of earning a living.
  
  

• Putting Ideas First
  We continue with our over three year long programme in collaboration with the India international Centre, New Delhi to hold a monthly discussion on crafts, aesthetics and sustainable livelihood. This interactive initiative has sought to encourage debate, exchange of information and an airing of ideas and issues that exercise us.

Hands
On Craft Revival Trust, over the last few years had regular workshops at large public venues such as the Dastakar’s Nature Bazaar and in schools where we tried and succeeded in an interesting experiment called “Hands On”. We trained young students to be educators with the students organizing, running and teaching in the workshops. The workshops held included: Dying with Waste from the Kitchen; handmade paper making from old notebooks and newspapers and Jewelry making.

Documentation and Publication projects
We continue to work on:

• A monograph series on the undocumented, oral traditions of textiles and craft. This project is of special significance for us.

Our supporters
Over the past years Craft Revival Trust has developed organically and tangentially. Our work has had an impact in ways that we at the beginning had not thought possible. In order to continue this effort to help the large constituency we have developed, we need support for our multiple projects.

The activities of the Trust have been funded by enlightened individuals and organisations; among them our appreciation is due to UNESCO for providing the seed funding for several critical projects, Sukriti Inprint, New Delhi, Aid To Artisans, USA for their partnership on the Lao PDR project, Planning Commision, Government of India, Office of DC(Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and the innumerable individuals who have contributed their time and energy.

Core Team
Ritu Sethi – Managing Trustee
Email: r.sethi@craftrevival.org

Sisel Peter – Project Coordinator and Software Analyst
Email: sisel.peter@craftrevival.org

We can be contacted at:

Craft Revival Trust
S-4 Khirki Extension
New Delhi-110 017
Tel: +91 11 29545015, 29545144
Email: mail@craftrevival.org
E encylo-journal: www.craftrevival.org

Should you require any further information, please feel free to email us.