MUMBAI: Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has been supporting and promoting grassroots enterprises and craftsmen across India, in product development, design sensitization, with an objective to revive the traditional arts and crafts of India.
The Bank, through its training programmes and workshops, has been able to motivate the second generation artisans into learning ancestral crafts, to build a sustainable business and provide due recognition to various arts and crafts at several platforms across India and overseas.
To boost these efforts, Exim Bank is organizing Exim Bazaar, an exclusively curated exhibition-cum-sale of handmade traditional & contemporary arts, crafts and textiles from all over India. The four-day event is being held from September 01 to 04, 2017 (Friday to Monday) from 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM at the Expo Centre, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
This exhibition is bringing together the best of traditional and contemporary crafts like the Kashmir’s Paper Mache, Manipuri Black Pottery, Rajasthani Jewellery, Madhubani Paintings, Paithani Sarees, Kalamkari paintings, Block-printed garments and home decor, Kolhapuri footwear, Dokhra Art, Bidriware and many more of such exquisite crafts under one roof. Over 40 participants are exhibiting their works at the Exim Bazaar.
Exim Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Debasish Mallick inaugurated the exhibition and encouraged the participants. He mentioned, “this is the first of such event organized by the Bank. We expect that this platform would provide the much needed recognition and awareness about India’s traditional arts and crafts. This is an attempt to provide encouragement and motivation to the artisans to produce these unique craft items. Internationally, the demand and value of handmade products is increasing and Exim Bank recognizes this opportunity and intends to take handmade crafts to an international market. Exim Bazaar is the next step towards this initiative.”
Ms. Deepali Agrawal, General Manager, Exim Bank, mentioned, “the Bank has supported many of these artisans and has been providing them training, which has helped them in coming up with new utility products showcasing their art form. With new colours, textures, and materials, the crafts look more attractive and are in demand. This has opened up a new space in the design world where the products not only carry India’s rich heritage but also can also be put to use in the day-to-day activity. Exim Bazaar will not only provide spot sales to participants but will also help in establishing contacts with corporate & retail buyers. Most importantly, it will also make the participants aware about the rich cultural heritage and the variety of art forms India has to offer. The Bank through its Marketing Advisory services provides a hand-holding support to market the goods and services of Indian enterprises.”
