Artisan Incubation (Ai) is a unique program undertaken by Mon Ami Foundation to provide a nurturing environment for small and emerging artisans across the country. This initiative caters to craftspeople who remain out of the loop of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The idea is to connect with the many artisans who live in India’s remote towns and villages, who do not have the required training to upskill their craft to current market needs. As a result, these artisans remain tucked away from the reach of any design or financial intervention. This lack of visibility, leaves them unable to earn a sustainable income from their craft, often forcing them to leave behind their legacy and move into urban areas for better employment options. Through the Ai initiative, Mon Ami Foundation will reach out to these artisans and their families and work with them to cultivate a nurturing and sustainable ecosystem.
Artisan Incubation (Ai) is a unique program undertaken by Mon Ami Foundation to provide a nurturing environment for small and emerging artisans across the country. This initiative caters to craftspeople who remain out of the loop of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The idea is to connect with the many artisans who live in India’s remote towns and villages, who do not have the required training to upskill their craft to current market needs. As a result, these artisans remain tucked away from the reach of any design or financial intervention. This lack of visibility, leaves them unable to earn a sustainable income from their craft, often forcing them to leave behind their legacy and move into urban areas for better employment options. Through the Ai initiative, Mon Ami Foundation will reach out to these artisans and their families and work with them to cultivate a nurturing and sustainable ecosystem.
STEP 1: IDENTIFICATION
STEP 1: IDENTIFICATION
Mon Ami Foundation will scout the nation for suitable candidates who qualify for their Artist Incubation programme. We aim to identify 100 artisans and their families over the next 6 months and enroll them in our initiative.
WHO QUALIFIES?
WHO QUALIFIES?
- Artisans located in remote and interior places of India
- Those who have been practicing a unique, traditional craft over generations
- People who use natural and locally available resources for craft
- Artisans who are not using any mechanised equipment for their craft
- Those who have a current income below INR 50,000/- per annum
STEP 2: INCUBATION
STEP 2: INCUBATION
The expert team from Mon Ami Foundation will work closely with the chosen artisans and their families to transition their existing craft and move up the value chain, bringing in aspects such as utility, functionality, quality control and longevity of design.
HOW WILL THE SELECTED CANDIDATES BENEFIT?
HOW WILL THE SELECTED CANDIDATES BENEFIT?
- Design Intervention: our design team will work with these chosen artisans and help them refine the products and make them more contemporary to cater to current market requirements
- Production scale: artisans will be trained to ensure consistency and replicability of their products, in order to promote scalability
STEP 3: INTEGRATION
STEP 3: INTEGRATION
We are committed to make sure that we complete the loop and integrate these artisans into our existing network.
HOW WILL THEY BE INCLUDED?
HOW WILL THEY BE INCLUDED?
- Financial inclusion: cashless transactions and linkages to the larger economy
- Market Linkages: exposure to bazaars for face-to-face selling and also access to our online platform as well as offline store engagements for sustained income.