Art-X Kashmir: Export Linkage for Four Artisan Clusters in Jammu & Kashmir

Dates

January 2021 – December 2022

Summary

Funded by the Project Implementation Unit, Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Art-X Kashmir will support the creation of export sales for four artisan clusters producing papier mâché, embroidery, wool, and wicker basketry. This will be accomplished through design development and business training for accessing the global market, and direct linkage to international buyers. Art-X Kashmir is in partnership with Kadam, RangSutra, and Sasha World. The work plan with be implemented in 2 phases:

  1. Long-distance e-training and product development phase that will serve as the preparation for all marketing activities
  2. Digital marketing and market linkage phase

Project Goals

Art-X Kashmir seeks to build the capacity of the four artisan clusters and generate US$700,000 in export sales over three years, beyond the duration of the project. Aid to Artisans will accomplish this by completing the following:

  • Organizational Capacity Assessment of four clusters
  • Product Trends & Color After Covid–19 Workshop 
  • Market Research & Buyer Trends Workshop
  • Market–Driven Product Design Innovation Workshops 
  • Production Follow Up and Sample Development  
  • Export Readiness One-on-One Coaching
  • Creating an Online Presence: Artisan Storytelling and Marketing Workshop
  • Marketing Materials Development 
  • Aid to Artisans Buyer Access Program   
  • Access to new B2B Marketplaces
  • Access to Digital Solutions for Artisan Businesses  
  • Tradeshow Participation  

Accomplishments as of December 1st, 2021

  • Organizational Capacity Assessment
  • Product Trends & Color Workshop 
  • Market Research & Buyer Trends Workshop
  • Product Development for Spring 2022

Project Lead in the U.S.

Maud Obe, Director, Aid to Artisans- MaudO@creativelearning.org