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Vision

The Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) programme envisions creating an inclusive cultural platform that highlights the craft practices of Odisha, challenging the conventional hierarchies between fine arts and crafts in South Asia. Historically, craft practices have been perceived as inferior to fine arts within art pedagogy and cultural narratives. This project aims to blur the binary between art and craft, integrating craft practices into pedagogy, exhibition, and cultural history writings.

Key objectives

  • Redefine Cultural Hierarchies: Challenge the traditional dichotomy between fine arts and crafts, emphasizing the artistic value of craft practices.

 

  • Integrate Craft into Pedagogy: Promote the inclusion of craft practices in academic curricula, encouraging students to appreciate and engage with these art forms.
     

  • Inclusive Cultural Narratives: Document and present craft practices as integral parts of cultural heritage and history, ensuring they are represented in cultural narratives and historical writings.
     

 

  • Community Engagement: Foster equal and collaborative relationships between contemporary artists, designers, researchers, and craftspeople, ensuring that the voices of craft communities are represented and amplified.

 

  • Sustainable Development: Support the sustainability of craft practices through innovative interventions, policy advocacy, and cultural recognition.

Engagement

Odisha boasts a rich diversity of craft clusters, each with unique traditions, techniques, and cultural legacies. The project will focus on engaging with various craft clusters, including but not limited to:

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  • Textiles: Ikat, Sambalpuri, Bomkai

  • Handicrafts: Pattachitra painting, stone carving, silver filigree, applique work

  • Weaving: Tussar silk, cotton weaving
     

 

Engagement Activities
 

  • ​Field Engagements: Researchers, artists, and designers will immerse themselves in the craft communities, documenting practices, preparing field notes, and collaborating with craftspeople.
     

  • Collaborative Projects: Participants will work closely with craftspeople to develop artistic and design interventions, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and skills.
     

  • Documentation and Representation: The interactions and collaborations will be documented, providing a platform for craftspeople to share their stories and insights, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
     

  • Civil Society Engagement -  Researchers, designers and artists will engage the  community where craft cluster is located by conducting workshops in local schools  and  engaging relevant civil society organisations.

Long term vision

The long-term vision of the project includes several key initiatives aimed at elevating and sustaining craft practices:

Encyclopaedic Website

Develop a comprehensive website featuring documentation of interventions, exhibitions, articles, and field notes. This platform will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and cultural practitioners.

White Paper on Craft Condition

Prepare a white paper addressing the current conditions of craft practices, offering recommendations for policy makers, cultural advocates, and practitioners on how to support and elevate these traditions.

Research Grants

Issue grants to young researchers for in-depth studies of craft clusters, with findings published and presented at an annual conference.

Annual Open Studios and Exhibitions

Host annual iterations of the project, culminating in open studios and exhibitions that showcase the outcomes of the collaborations.

Documentary Film

Produce a documentary film highlighting the conditions of craft practices, the challenges faced by craftspeople, and the impact of the interventions.

Interdisciplinary Platform

Create a platform to bring together practitioners from various disciplines to engage with craft communities, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

Program vision
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