SKV's education intends to: Increase artisans’ confidence in knowing what they know. Raise the value of tradition based crafts. Enable artisans to also significantly improve their standard of living, both socio-culturally and economically.

Somaiya Kala Vidya is dedicated to sustaining traditional art forms by empowering artisans with education that enhances both their creative and economic potential. We believe that when artisans lead the evolution of their craft, they preserve cultural integrity, ensuring that traditions thrive as a vibrant part of our heritage.

Our institution offers accessible higher education tailored to the needs of working artisans in Kachchh, Gujarat, and Bagalkote, Karnataka. Through structured eleven-month courses in design and business, we provide sustained learning opportunities that align with artisan lifestyles. Our curricula, schedule, and language of instruction are thoughtfully designed to support their journey.

At Somaiya Kala Vidya, education is built on a deep respect for tradition. Our courses begin by fostering an appreciation for heritage before introducing new knowledge and skills that enable artisans to apply design and business principles effectively. By diversifying traditional practices while maintaining their cultural identity, we help artisans create a distinct presence in contemporary markets.

Our approach strengthens both individual artisans and the broader craft sector. We achieve this by:

  • Building on existing artisan knowledge, skills, design sensibilities, and innovation.
  • Using hands-on, problem-solving projects that directly contribute to artisans' ongoing work.
  • Providing real-world evaluation through direct market exposure
 

Through this holistic education, we aim to:

  • Enhance artisans’ confidence in their expertise
  • Elevate the value and recognition of traditional crafts
  • Improve artisans' socio-economic well-being, enabling them to sustain and grow their practices.

At Somaiya Kala Vidya, we are not just preserving traditions - we are ensuring they evolve, flourish, and remain a vital part of our shared cultural legacy.

Somaiya Programms

Somaiya Kala Vidya's educational approach honours both concepts and knowledge as well as techniques of traditions. Courses begin with the appreciation of tradition, then the teaching of additional knowledge and skills that will enable artisans to use design and business effectively. The goal is to diversify traditions while retaining cultural identity as an edge in contemporary markets.

In educating artisans, SKV revitalizes and sustains traditions. It raises the capacity of the participants and the entire craft sector.
Somaiya Kala Vidya’s curricula are practically relevant. They build on existing strengths, and strengthen shortcomings, by:
» Teaching concepts by beginning with existing systems of knowledge, skills, design and innovation.
» Teaching through problem solving projects which support and contribute to the artisan’s ongoing work.
» Evaluating through an authentic, direct marketing link.