Every state or a region is known for its handicraft and textile heritage. But, with modernisation and industrialisation, this sector is under tremendous pressure in recent years.
In light of this, various individuals, government agencies and NGOs are actively working to revive it.
In Goa, we have a wealth of needlecraft tradition, which is seen through crochet, hand embroidery, etc. Unfortunately, this beautiful work has been largely restricted to the four walls of our homes.
However, efforts are now underway to highlight this craftwork, so as to appreciate it and building confidence among its artisans.
‘Craftworks’ is one such platform which began its journey in 2018. It is managed by two individuals — Aira Mirchandani and Monica Dalvi — who are striving to create a platform that showcases home-based crafters through a curated, women-centric event.
“We have had crafters who have been with us for a couple of shows, and then moved on to stocking their products at stores, on an online platform thereby making place for new crafters,” says Aira.
"The idea is that Craftworks keeps evolving in terms of participation. Also, it is a curated event and participation is by invitation since we try to put together a good mix of products,” she adds.
Now, they are ready with the fifth edition of ‘Craftworks’, which will be held on September 20 and September 21 at the Art Gallery, Maquinez Palace, ESG complex, Panjim.
This time round, there will be 30 artistes participating at the event. The crafts on display are crochet, tatting, macrame, tricot, hand embroidery, resin, woodwork and ceramics.
There will be also home decor, toys and games, soft home furnishings, garments, accessories, bodycare products, Christmas decorations, etc.
“We are constantly looking to improve, innovate and create new products,” adds Aira.
Speaking about her journey Aira mentions that around a decade ago, in 2014, she was part of a trio that had started an annual event called ‘Handcrafted in Goa’. Unfortunately, it got disbanded in 2017.
After that Aira teamed up with Monica Dalvi to take this concept forward and hosted their first ‘Craftworks’ exhibition in 2018. This was followed by exhibitions in 2019, 2021, 2023 and, currently, this is their 5th one.
They also organised a smaller event called the 'Accessories Fair' in 2018, and in May, they hosted their first Summer Fête.
Aira mentions that currently, due to Craftworks' exhibitions, there’s increased awareness about Goa’s handicraft and needlework traditions.
She states, “Many women in Goa would do, and still do, some very good quality handcrafts, but this was always gifted to family and friends and was never even seen in the public domain."
Craftworks 5.0 features handmade products by local artisans, such as hand-painted sarees, crochet garments, crochet accessories, jewellery, skincare products, lamps home decor items, etc.
"So the perception was that Goa didn’t have much in terms of handicrafts. Events like ‘Craftworks’, through social media, has made some impact in dispelling this wrong notion,” she shares.
Craftworks 5.0 features handmade products by local artisans, such as hand-painted sarees, crochet garments, crochet accessories, jewellery, skincare products, lamps home decor items, etc.
DETAILS
WHAT: Craftworks 5.0 exhibition-cum-sale
WHERE: Art Gallery, Maquinez Palace, ESG complex, Panjim
WHEN: September 20 & 21
TIMINGS: 11 am to 9 pm
ENTRY FEE: Nil