Our Story
Like many new age movements, Creative Dignity was launched in a modest way on a WhatsApp group.
Many stakeholders of the handmade ecosystem came together in 2020 to support artisans during the covid crisis.
Within four fast-paced months, the network grew with connections in 26 states of the country and succeeded in
raising money for relief, preparing and enabling artisans for digital platforms and digital access to markets.
Despite the devastation which ensued, C19 proved to be an opportunity to address the fragility of the artisan
economy, the second largest employment generator in the country after agriculture.
Post the crisis, the network continued as it was unanimously felt that the handmade sector has been in a long crisis for decades and taking a collaborative approach may be able to address the gaps. Subsequently, CD was consolidated as a network for the sector but consciously not formalized.
With 5+ years of palpable impact, CD members work towards rejuvenation for artisan groups in India. Before and during these years, the markets, buying patterns, aspirations and demographics of the handmade sector have changed rapidly. A younger generation with access to information and digital tools is replacing the earlier patronage approach to artisanal practices. The ‘NOW’ gen sees hope in engaging with a sector they feel is inherently sustainable and resilient to climate change.
Creative Dignity has been energizing the handmade ecosystem by employing a holistic mix of locally relevant capacity building; market development and digital access; design mentorship; fostering relevant partnerships; experimenting with and finding innovative ways to communicate and prepare the handmade sector for becoming globally sustainable and relevant. And most importantly, nurturing a network for the informal creative economy.
With no clear data for the millions of people directly or indirectly linked to this sector, with over 50% participation of women, handmade production continues to be one of the self-reliant means of dignified employment among informal rural economies.
The models of production in the artisan sector carry traditional knowledge, linkages to biocultural systems to build nature-based solutions for a resilient future. They have the potential for creating pathways to inclusive, equitable, dignified and ecologically balanced economies. Resilience to climate change is the next crisis for the Network to address collectively.
Our Values & Guiding Principles
Artisan at the center
At all times and in all our endeavours, we will keep the artisan at the center. Every opportunity and activity will be evaluated by the impact it has on the artisan through a set of metrics.
Collaborate not compete
We will collaborate with transparency and not compete with one another. We will not use another's idea, design, IP, people or process without permission. We will seek to co-create value with others. We will amplify and celebrate each other's work.
Trust
We will trust each other unless someone gives us a reason not to. We will be respectful in every way, choosing empathy as our ethos.
Open source
We will openly share information, data, opportunities, knowledge, skills, and networks with each other. We will build on each other's work, rather than reinvent the wheel.
Accountability
As CD is a self-governed, self-motivated, and self-driven movement, we will operate with the fullest integrity and remain accountable for our behaviour, words, and actions.
Artisan at the center
At all times and in all our endeavours, we will keep the artisan at the center. Every opportunity and activity will be evaluated by the impact it has on the artisan through a set of metrics.
Collaborate not compete
We will collaborate with transparency and not compete with one another. We will not use another's idea, design, IP, people or process without permission. We will seek to co-create value with others. We will amplify and celebrate each other's work.
Trust
We will trust each other unless someone gives us a reason not to. We will be respectful in every way, choosing empathy as our ethos.
Open source
We will openly share information, data, opportunities, knowledge, skills, and networks with each other. We will build on each other's work, rather than reinvent the wheel.
Accountability
As CD is a self-governed, self-motivated, and self-driven movement, we will operate with the fullest integrity and remain accountable for our behaviour, words, and actions.
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