A unique village for arts and crafts starts its operation in Kerala

The first phase of the Vellar Arts and Crafts Village near Kovalam, on the outskirts of the capital city, is operational. The project aims to revitalize and nurture the handicrafts of Kerala to world-class standards and to ensure a decent livelihood for the artisans. The Craft Village has also launched various programmes to introduce the heritage products of Kerala in the global market so as to expand the market.

In the first phase, the village features about 50 crafts prepared in 28 studios. Each studio gives the customer an option to see the making of the handicraft first hand and buy them. It has paintings, pottery, cane products, jewellery, home decor, home and office equipment, clothing, statues, curios, souvenirs, exhibits and tools made of wood, palm and palm fronds, bamboo, reeds, coir and cloth.

Handicrafts like Pattachitra (cloth-based scroll paintings) from Bengal and Odisha, murals of Kerala, colourful paper quilting originating in ancient Egypt, centuries-old Nettoor boxes, glass-stone ornaments, etc can be seen in the studios. The studios also showcase the finest handicrafts inside and outside the country, including curios, dry flowers, handicrafts made from paper to metals, ivory creations, Pooram crafts and hammocks.

The woodwork category includes teak, rosewood and whitewood with products ranging from home appliances to toys. Aranmula Kannadi, Peruvamp musical instruments, Balaramapuram handloom, Muttathara wood carvings and Thazhava textile products are on the exhibit.

The Crafts Village employs about 750 artisans including Padmashree Gopi Master and Shilpaguru award winner, K S R Mohanan apart from several other artisans who are national and state award winners. There are also plans to organize a world-class art and craft biennale and workshops every year based on a specific theme, including painting, terracotta, handlooms, sculptures and bamboo and reed products.

The paintings of the selected artists will be exhibited at the Craft Village Art Gallery. The Emporium Village will be home to an innovative market for world-class crafts and paintings from other states too. The spice garden, herb garden, vegetable garden and evolution garden will be an added attraction.

Performances of traditional art and dance forms of Kerala like Theyyam, Kathakali, Kolkali, Thiruvathira, Margamkali, Pavakoothu and Kalaripayat will be held to introduce the heritage and culture of the state to visitors from other countries. Initially, the performances will be held on Saturdays, Sundays and other public holidays.

The game zone includes adventure sports such as archery, shooting and rock climbing. Future plans include collaborating with leading interior designers, fashion designers and architects of the country, to make this as a marketing venue.