Handicrafts Promotion Officer L. Manoj on Tuesday said that women artists taking part in the leather art and exhibition organised by the Andhra Pradesh Creativity and Culture Commission portrayed extraordinary skills in exhibiting their creating pursuits, but most of them were indulging in it as a hobby.
Speaking to mediapersons here, he said several works by the artists were aesthetically created, and proper marketing would transform them into successful women entrepreneurs; empowering them to provide jobs to at least 10 women.
ID cards
“They don’t have marketing ability and here we pitch in to help them. Once the skill is verified, we will issue them the ID cards." he pointed out. Mr. Manoj said the Ministry of Textiles was helping artisans in the enhancement of their skills by conducting design training programmes, exposure visits, marketing facilities like expos, craft bazaars and all-India fairs. “Our office will work for the benefit of artists from seven districts from Srikakulam to Guntur. For the practising artist, we give Aadhaar-based ID cards. The cardholders will get DA and TA from the department and for setting up a stall in a fair each artist will be paid ₹7,000.” He said those artists who had extraordinary talent should apply for awards such as national awards, skill certificates, and Shilp Guru awards
“These award winners will be sponsored for international fairs by the ministry,” he pointed out.
