Craft Cluster Initiative
The Craft Cluster Initiative of the Institute is a carefully developed formula for integrating the crafts sector of the country with the mainstream. NIFT, with active support from the Ministry of Rural Development, Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts & Handlooms) and National Centre for Jute Development is developing and implementing a craft cluster initiative towards the overall progress of craft, the cottage industry and vocational activities. The intention of the project is to involve NIFT’s professional capabilities in the areas of design, technology, marketing and management along with external expertise, and synergise all developmental activities by various government and non-government agencies.
Role of NIFT
- Overall project direction, strategy, management and coordination of activities and schedules.
- Overall implementation along with specific tie-ups and networking with various stakeholders.
- Expertise of enhancement and conversion of knowledge through multidisciplinary research, across design, management and technology.
- Assessment and enhancement of capacities and capabilities through knowledge transfer programmes.
- Mapping opportunities and potential markets, branding and promotional strategies and networking of potential commerce patronage.
- Products, processes and tools innovation through design and development.
- Technical know-how enhancement, trend studies, quality norms and sourcing.
- Information sharing and creating grass-roots technical support systems for intelligence development and market accessibility.
- Integration of academic activities to provide real life learning opportunities and employ students’ creative abilities towards various initiatives.
Professional Education with Social Concern
The Institute has dovetailed its academic activities towards the cluster initiative, so that students learn of the opportunities in the developing sector and act as ‘young change agents’.
Students get a unique opportunity in 4th semester to study the craft sector by visiting the craft region to study the socio-economic and cultural context, interact with the crafts men and follow up action with appropriate design and technology upgradation in the 5th semester with craftsmen visiting the NIFT centres for market exposure and product development.
Network & Spread
The craft cluster project is being initiated at a national level. NIFT’s presence in various regions enables a wider reach across the country. Each NIFT centre, a specialist in specific crafts and aesthetics of the region, has chosen a cluster each for the initiative.
Design Studio
The inception of a Design Studio at each NIFT centre is a new plan to provide professional service and support for all business needs including trends, forecast and market intelligence, product development and training. The Design Studio is a medium leading to wholistic integration of the value chain.
i.m. a NIFT initiative
In order to create their own identity, NIFT has brought all the products made by the clusters under one umbrella, by launching brand i.m. a NIFT initiative, which is a symbol of 'being Indian', 'self reliant', 'the feeling of swayam', ‘self confidence', and 'oneness'. It symbolises that crafts can be identified only by the 'karma' and not by any caste and creed.
In the process of exhibiting and retailing the products developed in these clusters, NIFT in collaboration with DC (HC) has opened a retail outlet at Rajiv Gandhi Hasta Kala Bhawan, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001. The outlet was inaugurated on 18th October, 2006 by Hon'ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Shankersinh Vaghela and Hon'ble Rural Development Minister, Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. The store houses everything from apparel to home and lifestyle products to handcrafted accessories. A perfect blend of ethnic and modern, it makes an interesting mix and a great place to shop.
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