The city will soon have its own crafts village to provide a platform to artisans from all over the country to hone their skills and make, display and sell handicrafts items under a single roof.
Located on the banks of the Chunnambar backwaters in Murungapakkam, the Arts and Crafts village designed by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and developed by the Project cell of the Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is ready and is expected to be a hub for tourism activities.
Modelled on the lines of the Dilli Haat, the Arts and Crafts Village, located in an expanse of 4 acres has accommodation for more than 50 artisans to stay and work at a time.
It has 24 permanent stalls for artisans, a demonstration and exhibition block to showcase the masterpieces of various artisans, an open-air theatre and a conference hall and a workshop and training centre.
Throughout the year
“The village will produce, display and sell art and handicraft items. It will be a permanent facility functioning round the year. The idea is for tourists to be able to see artisans work in their natural environment. They will be able to get a glimpse into the life of an artisan as well as purchase handicraft items directly,” Ashok Panda, co-convener INTACH told The Hindu .
The Ministry of Handlooms and Textiles has promised to mobilise artisans and bring them to the village throughout the year.
Mr. Panda said that the basic idea is that different craftsmen from all over the country should be given an opportunity to display their products.
This would also pave for a cultural exchange among the artisans.
The stalls have no doors and will also be used for holding handicrafts exhibitions and melas round the year.
According to a Tourism Department official, the richness of crafts from various states like terracotta, hand made paper, antiques, studio pottery and hand made goods will be presented in the village empowering the artisans towards a sustainable livelihood.
Handicrafts of artisans from the village will be displayed at the crafts bazaar on the Beach promenade here providing inter-connectivity between the bazaar and village and a fillip to tourism in the city.
