JOIN USEngaging children from diverse backgrounds
In an attempt to revive art, craft and textiles from different parts of India and bring together children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, Indian folk art workshops will be held on weekends at the Crafts Museum, starting from September 24.
Titled ‘Khel Mel Art Pitara 2016-2017’, the workshops are collaborative effort of Happy Hands Foundation (HHF) and Artreach India, and are open to children aged 8-12 years.
“In the previous editions of the workshop, we were able to conduct only art and craft workshops. But this year we are also including textiles and museum learning. Along with the workshops, the children will also get to see murals from the museum and will get to interact with the artisans about indigenous art and craft,” Rachita Gupta, programmes coordinator, HHF, tells Metrolife.
Gamik embroidery from Assam is going to be the topic of the first workshop. Led by Assamese textile artist Premlata Dalay, the workshop will introduce this weaving tradition which is practised by a group of women called ‘Spinis’ in Assam. Other artworks and crafts to be taught in these workshops include Madhubani, Gond, Bankura sculpture, Sanjhi and basket-weaving. The two-and-a-half hour long sessions of learning and hands-on activity will be led by a master artist and facilitated by an educator. Detailed discussion on the origins of the craft, the people who practice them and the views of the artisans will be a part of the workshops.
While HHF focuses on art, crafts and textiles, Artreach India brings together children from privileged and underprivileged backgrounds to create an environment of creative learning.
According to Deeksha Nath, director, Artreach India, “These workshops will help breaking down the barriers that exist between children coming from different economic backgrounds, within an environment of creative learning.” “For instance, children from some rural areas of Delhi might be aware of Madhubani art and local flora and fauna, which they can share with children from the city. Apart from art and craft, these workshops will help children have an attention span and will also teach them empathy. We need such engaging platforms because we lack in sustained interaction among children,” Nath adds.
Khel Mel Art Pitara 2016-2017 workshops will be held from 2.30 pm to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, starting from September 24, at Crafts Museum. Cost per workshop is Rs 1,200.