Kuteera 2024 is poised to captivate Bengaluru this weekend, marking a grand celebration of India’s rich heritage of handcrafted products. This distinguished exhibition will feature an impressive assembly of 35 artisans, social enterprises, and organizations from across the length and breadth of India. Offering a blend of tradition and innovation, Kuteera promises to provide an engaging experience not just for craft enthusiasts but for families and children alike, who can immerse themselves in live craft demonstrations and hands-on craft activities through various craft kits. The event underlines that handmade products continue to hold their charm even in an era dominated by technology and artificial intelligence.
The exhibition is curated by the Crafts Council of Karnataka (CCK) in collaboration with Creative Dignity, showcasing CCK’s commitment to offering artisans a prominent platform. “Kuteera serves not only as an exhibition and sale but as an essential bridge between creators and buyers. It fosters design intervention, aids in the revival and support of endangered crafts, and preserves the invaluable artistic traditions of Karnataka,” expressed Revathi Prasad, a key member of the CCK executive committee. Revathi, who has been associated with the council since 2008, is overseeing Kuteera 2024, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for both participants and visitors.
Creative Dignity is another significant player in this year’s Kuteera. This movement unites creative producers, practitioners, and professionals to invigorate the Indian artisan ecosystem. “Our vision is to create a world where artisans can thrive with dignity,” Revathi explained, noting that Creative Dignity has curated a special segment featuring 10 stalls operated by artisans who have benefited from various design interventions. These stalls will further enhance the immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to interact directly with artisans, gain insight into their meticulous craft processes, and support their livelihoods by purchasing products directly from them.
Revathi highlights that this year’s edition of Kuteera is uniquely festive. “We have timed the event to precede the festival season, making it an ideal destination for festival shopping,” she said. The exhibition will feature a colorful array of festive items, including raakis, Dasara dolls, Ganeshas, and return gifts for major festivals like Dasara and Deepavali.
. “People often update their home decor during festival times, and we have a broad selection of home decor and home linen to cater to these needs,” she added. Notably, textiles will not feature in this edition as CCK prefers to spotlight them separately in their exclusive textile exhibition, Vastrabharana.
The assortment of crafts at Kuteera is vast and varied. Visitors can explore accessories like thread and tribal jewelry, ceramic cookware, and home decor items from Tamil Nadu, as well as exquisite Toda embroidery from both Kashmir and Tamil Nadu. Among the highlights are the vibrant Kondapalli toys from Andhra Pradesh, known for their striking colors. Additionally, artisans from Manipur will showcase their beautifully crafted baskets and mats, while Mirzapur carpets represent yet another draw for visitors seeking quality handmade items. From Northern Karnataka, Dakhni Diaries will present products including crocheted bags, blankets, and laundry baskets, crafted from sheep wool.
Revathi is optimistic about the resurgence of interest in handicrafts, particularly among the younger generation. “Young people are increasingly valuing handmade products and are keen to learn about the craft’s origins and processes,” she remarked. She finds working closely with craftspeople to be profoundly enriching, as it offers deep insights into the creation process, regional influences, and the intrinsic knowledge embedded within each craft. “When you bring a piece of handmade craft into your home, you carry with it the story and heritage of the artisan who created it,” she said.
Kuteera 2024 is set to take place at Chitrakala Parishat from August 3 to 7, with visiting hours from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Entry to this vibrant celebration of crafts is free, making it an accessible and inviting event for all. For more information, interested parties can contact the organizers at 23347299.
