The Jammu and Kashmir government organised an exhibition at the Sheri Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar to promote handicrafts and uplift the artisan community.
It was organised by the department of handicrafts and handlooms, and artisans from all over Jammu and Kashmir set up stalls to showcase the valley’s unique and distinct art and craft.
The Director of Handicrafts in Kashmir, Tariq Ahmad said, “This mega art exhibition was organized by the department of handicrafts and handlooms to showcase handicraft art as well as to provide a platform for sellers and buyers.”
E-commerce platform developed to connect buyers directly with local artisans
He also stated that an e-commerce platform is currently being developed to connect buyers directly with local artisans. The Kashmir Arts Emporium is developing an online exchange platform, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with Flipkart to assist local artisans in selling their wares.
Such exhibitions are important for the artisan community because they not only showcase the rich art of Kashmir but also allow the artisans to earn a living. The artists must bear the consequences of the valley’s turmoil. They are forced to face a financial crisis because their business is primarily dependent on tourists.
“Such exhibitions should also be hosted at block levels to further improve the conditions of the local vendors.”, said Irshad Ahmed a staller at the exhibition selling Kashmir willow bats.
As a result, such exhibitions are critical for attracting tourists, on whom these artisans rely for a living.
During this exhibition, artisans from the valley have set up stalls to display carpets, shawls, walnut products, crewel, chain stitches, willow wicker, paper mache, Kashmir willow bats, and woollen.
The tourist influx is gradually increasing after Covid, and these types of exhibitions can attract them on a large scale, which is beneficial to the artisan community. This year, Kashmir Valley is added to UNESCO’s list of heritage sites thanks to its unique art and craft, so such exhibitions are important.
