The Competition of Handmade: A Hundred Arms collective celebrates roots of creativity

Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly function from YourStory, with pictures that remember the spirit of creativity and innovation. Within the earlier 950 posts, we featured an artwork competition, cartoon gallery. world music competition, telecom expo, millets honest, local weather change expo, wildlife convention, startup competition, Diwali rangoli, and jazz competition.

The spring version of The Competition of Handmade by A Hundred Arms (AHH) has kicked off this week on the campus of NIFT in Bengaluru. It options over 180 teams from throughout 24 states in India.

The exhibitors showcase a variety of handcrafted gadgets equivalent to gardenware, trend, textiles, jewelry, toys, items, equipment, residence décor, and crafts from conventional and tribal communities. There are additionally workshops on making kites, paper butterflies, mandalas, puppets, and pottery.

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Launched in 2010 by sisters Mona and Sonia Dhawan, AHH is thought to be one of many oldest handmade artwork collectives in Bengaluru. It started as a grassroots platform connecting artisans instantly with city shoppers.

Over time, its community-led bazaar has grown right into a nationally-recognised platform and incubator for handmade gadgets. The present spring version consists of over 50 new craftspeople, and the handmade trend runway is now in its eighth version titled Catwalk for the Trigger.

“In a world shifting quick into digital know-how and annoying existence, we need to carry again the significance and rootedness of handmade. We supporting artisans and small designers – however are additionally bringing sensitivity in regards to the handmade again to the general public,” Mona Dhawan tells YourStory.

Utilizing one’s arms isn’t just about craft or a enterprise exercise. “It will also be a interest, or utilizing your arms to write down a letter on paper as a substitute of typing on a display. It’s about getting again to the enjoyment of the tactile sense,” she provides.

A preferred attraction of the competition is the house meals part, that includes the abilities of residence cooks from Bengaluru. There are additionally music, comedy and dance performances, and a trend present curated by Prasad Bidapa.

AHH has persistently centered on constructing sustainable livelihoods moderately than one-off gross sales. It helps artists and craftspeople throughout India whereas shaping Bengaluru’s handmade tradition.

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The collective reaches 300 artisan teams throughout the nation, benefitting greater than 60,000 members. In Karnataka, AHH engages with 60+ artisan communities unfold throughout 10 districts.

Such exhibitions promise wider craft illustration and deeper artisan engagement. In addition they spotlight higher transparency round genuine handmade merchandise.

“We wish individuals to embrace and admire the handmade. This doesn’t imply we’re towards using machines or digital. We’re not taking an ethical excessive floor and shunning modernity – we’re advocating a steadiness,” Mona explains.

AHH advocates for broad pointers that outline what’s handmade. “For instance, at the very least 80% of the work must be achieved by hand,” she says.

“India’s current coverage give attention to MSMEs and handicrafts is encouraging. However actual influence comes from platforms that join makers instantly with markets,” Mona observes.

The collective now has a pan-India presence, and helps women-owned enterprises and artisans from marginalised communities. These embrace tribal teams, queer communities, and people with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities.

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AHH additionally attracts hobbyists who learn to convert their passions into sustainable companies. It has helped revive dying craft varieties as effectively, equivalent to Sanji papercutting, Bhil portray, Kavad, and Silpidi ironwork.

“In a sector the place middlemen typically take 30% fee, we take zero fee, guaranteeing that every one income goes on to artisans. The artisans solely share the prices incurred on the exhibition venue,” Mona explains.

A analysis report on the work of AHH reveals that a lot of its members see a two-fold enhance in annual revenue attributable to its actions. As much as 40% of their yearly earnings coming from AHH.

She additionally gives suggestions and phrases of recommendation for aspiring artisans. “Do not quit. Dangle in there! There’s undoubtedly a rising motion of handmade,” she suggests.

“There’s a broad viewers, together with a youthful viewers. For instance, our trend present was put collectively by youth of their early twenties – they’ve very completely different views on handmade gadgets,” she observes.

It could appear to be an uphill activity now, however there will probably be an enormous resurgence within the handmade. “When individuals do issues themselves, even small acts of embroidery will result in pleasure and a way of possession and preservation,” Mona explains.

“Participating within the handmade spurs creativity and improves your focus. There’s a lot of scientific proof in regards to the cognitive and emotional advantages of working together with your arms,” she provides.

Working with the arms stimulates the mind. “It reduces stress and nervousness, and has results just like meditation. It additionally offers a way of accomplishment when handmade works are accomplished,” she affirms.

“Individuals who work with their arms additionally discover a sense of group amongst different makers, with deeper relationships and significant ties,” Mona indicators off.

Now what have you achieved at this time to pause in your busy schedule and harness your artistic facet for a greater world?

(All pictures taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at NIFT Bangalore.)