Art is a force of liberation, a means of expression, almost a transcendental experience. Money, on the other hand, is merely a tool - a facilitator, not the end goal.
This is a widely held belief in art circles. Doing craft for the fun of it, for the joy that comes with it. The objective of earning money is not supposed to be considered as an object in that experience.
And while this can be true for a strata of society where art is treated as recreation and money is no issue, or even for a group that has leveraged well-known forms of art to make a name for themselves and made money a non-issue thereafter, a large community of artisans in India still relies on art & craft as tools to earn money- liberation may follow thereafter.
Many of these artisans that Mon Ami Foundation works with come from communities that are not financially savvy. With women forming most of this group, they have traditionally focused on the household and left all things money to the men in their families - a father, a brother, a husband, or a son. Many don’t have bank accounts either, let alone any awareness of the instruments that they can leverage to save and grow their money.
That role is slowly changing. As these artisans get exposed to the world of 'commerce' - where they make something, it sells, and they get money in return - they are getting increasingly curious about what to do with that money. I remember conducting a session with a cohort of these artisans a couple of years back, and the curiosity, as expressed through their questions, was obvious. They wanted to know how to open bank accounts, how to obtain insurance, how to earn interest, and many such activities that we take for granted.
What is Financial Inclusion for These Artisans?
Financial inclusion is more than just having a bank account. It is about access to a system where their earnings are protected, their savings can grow, and they can plan for their future without financial fear. It means providing them with opportunities to manage their income effectively, access capital, and gain financial independence.
For an artisan, financial inclusion means being able to:
Save regularly: Even small savings, when accumulated over time, create a safety net
Access banking services: From opening a basic savings account to learning about mobile banking.
Invest in their craft: Being able to reinvest earnings into better tools to support their work
Secure their future: Understanding the benefits of insurance schemes
Break the cycle of dependence: Gaining financial literacy so they are not reliant on informal, high-interest money lenders
Why Is This Important?
Financial inclusion is not just about individual artisans - it influences their household, the community they live in and on the world around them. Children get better education, healthcare becomes accessible for the family, they start sending money back to the places they come from, and it creates a ripple effect.
Beyond immediate financial security, financial inclusion also empowers artisans with a sense of ownership and confidence. When women have control over their income, they are able to prioritize what they deem as essential expenses and contribute to their households on an equal footing. Over time, this shift not only improves their quality of life but also brings them at par in the society, a society that has historically sidelined women from financial decision-making.
As more artisans enter the financial system, their collective economic activity strengthens communities, promotes entrepreneurship, and enhances overall economic wellbeing. A financially empowered artisan community is not just a step towards personal financial security - it is a building block for a more equitable society.
How Do We Achieve This?
At Mon Ami Foundation, we believe that financial empowerment is a journey, one that must be taken step by step, with patience and guidance.
1. Financial Literacy Workshops
We conduct interactive sessions to introduce artisans to the basics of money management. These sessions cover fundamental concepts such as budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding cash flow. Simple exercises like maintaining a daily expense log and planning monthly savings goals help artisans take control of their finances.
Additionally, we introduce digital literacy as part of financial training, helping artisans understand mobile banking, digital transactions, and safe financial practices. Many artisans are unfamiliar with online payment methods, and by building their confidence in digital tools, we open doors to a wider market and financial security.
2. Bank Account Access & Support
Many artisans hesitate to visit banks due to lack of knowledge or intimidation. We work with financial institutions to simplify this process, guiding them through account opening, documentation, and usage. Our team helps artisans understand the benefits of formal banking, such as secure savings and earning interest.
We also conduct workshops in collaboration with experts who explain different banking products and how artisans can use them effectively. This ensures that artisans not only open accounts but also feel confident in using banking services independently. By removing barriers to banking access, we empower artisans to take the first step towards financial stability.
3. Encouraging Saving Habits
Through small savings groups, artisans are encouraged to set aside a fixed amount every month for a rainy day. These groups operate on the principle of collective motivation, where members hold each other accountable and celebrate milestones. Peer-driven accountability helps them stay consistent and build discipline around savings.
In addition to savings groups, we introduce artisans to structured saving instruments like recurring deposit accounts which offer secure and predictable returns. We also educate them on goal-based savings - whether for emergencies, education, or reinvesting in their craft - helping them see the long-term value of disciplined saving.
4. Capital Support
We collaborate with donors, NGOs, and Corporates to provide grants that help artisans invest in their craft. Whether it’s purchasing high-quality raw materials, upgrading tools, or setting up small home-based workshops, access to capital is essential for growth.
By providing the necessary financial backing, we ensure that artisans are not forced to rely on informal lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates, keeping them in perpetual debt. This access to financing helps artisans sustain and scale their businesses effectively.
5. Insurance Awareness
Educating artisans on health and life insurance ensures they are prepared for unforeseen events. Many low-income artisans lack access to basic insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks. We work with government and private enterprises to facilitate their enrolment into insurance programs.
By ensuring that artisans have access to long-term financial safety nets, we provide them with peace of mind and the ability to plan for their future beyond daily sustenance.
A Future of Financial Freedom
Just as mastering an art form takes time, so does mastering financial independence. But with the right support, these artisans are proving that they are more than just creators - they are entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and changemakers,
As one artisan shared post my workshop, "Pehle sirf kamaana jaante the, ab humein bachana bhi aata hai."
At Mon Ami Foundation, we celebrate the power of this community of women, one that is financially included and independent. For us, financial inclusion is not just an initiative - it is a movement towards dignity, empowerment, and lasting change.
And yes, Art is indeed about liberation. Liberty to be financially independent. Liberty to prioritise expenses in the household. Liberty to choose a school for the children, hospital for the elderly, a nice day out for the family!
Liberty to be themselves. And we are committed to making it a reality for every artisan we work with.
Credit: Sameer Dubey
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