Survey: We want to know who we are

We conducted a quick survey of the Sangam Project network in the lead up to the Bangalore event. The responses we received were evenly distributed between Australia and India, designers and artisans. On the question of what information should be available to consumers, a large majority 80% said names of both artisans and designers should … Continue reading Survey: We want to know who we are

Rashidji: The Block Maker

  Rashidji shares the stories of his past when a gesture or word of appreciation was being valued more than money, when the ideas springing out from dialogues mattered more than the amount of ‘production output’. He speaks with much consideration about his learning at Anokhi, his greatest inspiration and assures that there will always … Continue reading Rashidji: The Block Maker

Put a name to it: Standards for Labelling

The Australia India Design Platform seeks to gather views around standards for creative partnerships between designers and artisans. One contentious standard concerns whether the name of the artisan(s) should feature on the label. There are positive reasons for this, not only related to fairness, but also the value added by the reputation of the maker. … Continue reading Put a name to it: Standards for Labelling

Chikankari–How to protect the fragile thread that connects generations

Minna Loft, a graduate from jewellery at Monash University, reflects on her recent experience learning about Indian crafts in northern India India never ceases to amaze me, continually impressive and unpredictable. The generosity that I have experienced in India is breathtaking. I recently headed back there for my own research and intrigue. With previous experience … Continue reading Chikankari–How to protect the fragile thread that connects generations

Roundtable–the need to get the story straight

In Delhi last year, Sangam – the Australia India Design Platformhosted a roundtable and forum to share concepts and issues in global craft and design partnerships. There are many opportunities to link artisans to foreign markets through designers. What are new models for this transnational product development? What are the ethical issues and how might … Continue reading Roundtable–the need to get the story straight

Who made it? Draft standards for ethical labelling

The Harris Tweed label was tremendously successful in promoting textile crafts in the Scottish islands. There are parallel moves today in the use of geographical indications. But such labels do not include the names of those who wove the cloth. When would this be appropriate? What happens when the label is a designer brand, such … Continue reading Who made it? Draft standards for ethical labelling

The journey begins

Sangam – the Australia India Design Platform was launched in Melbourne on 21 July.   During the day, RMIT Industrial Design hosted the Ethical Design Laboratory’s workshop into ethical labelling. Experts from around Australia met to develop a set of standards for creative collaborations. Representatives from law and design, alongside leading practitioners, considered best practice for … Continue reading The journey begins