User:Kala Madhyam
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MISSION Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) Indian artists and artisans. Through systematic and sustained development efforts we seek to ensure their social and economic well-being, nurture creative community enterprises, foster global recognition and collaboration for indigenous arts, and promote, protect and preserve the integrity and diversity of Indian art, craft and culture.
ABOUT KALA MADHYAM Kala Madhyam organically grew from Madhyam’s initiative to stimulate development from within culture. It explored ways in which culture can provide a means of sustenance, as well as serve as a medium of social empowerment. Kala Madhyam is founded on the strong belief that “Cultural Action is Social Action”. The organisation began its activities in the year 2000, but was officially registered as a Trust in April, 2002.
Through our endeavours, we strive to offer equal opportunity and a better quality of living for artists and crafts people. We are driven by our belief in the right to food for all peoples, education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and information on an equitable basis. Our work is at the intersection of conservation, education, enterprise and empowerment.
WHY WE DO, WHAT WE DO…… · After agriculture, craft is the second largest occupational sector in India · Colonial monopoly of Indian craft and later the industrial revolution saw the extreme marginalisation of artisans who once possessed thriving enterprises · There are approx 20 - 30 million art and crafts persons in India. For some, crafts supplement their inadequate income from agriculture and for many others it is their only means to subsist. · Every 10 years, 10% give up their skill because they are unable to maintain sustainable livelihoods · Exposure to urban centres and an awareness of regional differences may have eroded the rigid practices of what were once closed communities. But it is such “promiscuous interfaces” that also extend the language of art. · Craft is creative expression, a reflection of the self and community identity and is often imbued with the spiritual essence of respective cultures. We need to cultivate an integrated understanding of heritage and commerce if we are to enable artists and artisan’s profit from their craft and yet be able to preserve the “sanctity of their culture”.
KALA MADHYAM STORE – hearts and crafts A “social entrepreneurship” venture that was initiated as an attempt to bridge rural artisans with urban markets. It seeks to strengthen cottage business enterprises rooted in the traditional arts. The store ‘boasts’ exquisite paintings of 12 tribal and folk art forms and a wide repertoire of crafts from nearly all the States in India. We also specialise in wall murals. Our vision for the store is to develop an enterprise that operates on a profit sharing system where over 60% of profits go directly to the crafts people and administrative expenses are kept low (under 10%).
KALA MADHYAM ARTS MELA – celebrating life and cultureThe Kala Madhyam arts mela celebrates India on one stage. A space where culture meets culture and art meets art and people from all walks of life experience different forms of music, arts and dance that are rooted in tradition. The mela is a synergetic blend of Indian cultural traditions: folk paintings, handicrafts, folk and tribal performing arts and foods from all over India brought together on one platform. Colour, pageantry and celebration have been the hallmark of every Kala Madhyam folk arts mela. A key objective of the festival is to ensure that sales occurred directly from craftsman to consumer, ensuring that the profits go straight to the artisans.
Objectives: § To provide direct market opportunities for rural artisan communities § To promote cultural tourism in a sensitive manner § To bring folk life into the public domain § To establish vibrant, dynamic and interactive spaces by which traditional art, craft and cultural forms can be revived, appreciated and respected § To create a forum for the interaction between potential clients: corporate sector, architects/interior design houses, donors, sponsors and the artisans § To enhance the awareness of artisans in the field of marketing and entrepreneurship § To encourage 50% participation of rural women crafts persons/groups § To engage the active and meaningful participation of individuals, corporates and donors in protecting and promoting culture
Background: Kala Madhyam has completed 7 successful mela’s at the Chitra Kala Parishath in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. We propose to organise our eighth mela in November 2008. The mela to date has witnessed: § Over 100 artisans § 20 States § Unique arts and crafts for sale § Folk songs, dances and drama by reputed artistes from over ten States: - Jhumur and Bihu from Assam - Martial arts and dance from Manipur - Kalaripayattu (martial art form of Kerala) - Maganiar and Langar from Rajasthan - Puppetry from Rajasthan - Pooja Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha and Yakshagana from Karnataka - Warli tribal dances from Maharashtra - Telangana folk forms from Andhra Pradesh - Folk and tribal dance from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu - Tribal songs and dance from Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal § Learning center with information panels giving a back ground to the groups and art forms § Special rural foods in a rustic atmosphere
Contact Details:
- 77/8, Nandidurg Road,
(Benson Cross Road Corner) Second Floor, Flat No 2 Benson Town, Bangalore - 560046 Tel: +91 (80) 23537358 Email: mail@kalamadhyam.org Website: www.kalamadhyam.org
Associated Websites: [1] http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-bagulko2fqkN.BWQUkOkKKKdkw--?cq=1&p=2077 http://flickr.com/photos/hariadi/sets/72157603617500282/ http://desicritics.org/2006/10/29/142931.php http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Dec32007/metromon2007120239047.asp http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/12/01/stories/2007120150890300.htm
