Do you know UNESCO mentions Jaipur as the creative city.
In the early 18th century, Jaipur was called the House of the 36 Industries (Chattis Karkhanas) for being a historical trade centre largely supported by crafts and folk art, including painting, carving and jewellery, says UNESCO, adding that today, this legacy continues to bear witness to the diversity and vitality of the field of crafts and folk art, which employs about 175,000 people working in around 53,500 workshops.
According to this organisation, “Jaipur views creative industries as a means to sustain its rich cultural heritage, passing on many traditions through local festivals and fairs which have always been embedded in the city’s cultural life.”
It further says, “The Jaipur International Heritage Festival is the best-known event showcasing traditional works of crafts and folk art, as well as contemporary works. This event puts particular emphasis on fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors and civil society, as well as developing interdisciplinary approaches between crafts and folk art and design.
Jaipur is also home to the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), the largest resource centre in the country, which is currently undertaking cross-cutting research and offering residencies.
As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, Jaipur envisages:
- enhancing the working conditions and status of craftsmen through the Citizens Outreach Cell and the Heritage Walks, to foster a sustainable urban and socio-economic development based on direct selling and workers’ well-being;
- establishing the onsite and online museum Jaipur Haat, as well as the Crafts and Folk Art Gallery at the Jaipur International Airport, to facilitate international showcasing of local works of crafts and folk art; and
- encouraging exchange of knowledge and knowhow with other Creative Cities of Crafts and Folk Art, notably through local and international festivals and fairs.