The Bhujodi to Bagalkote project introduced the concept of Artisan-to-Artisan Design in Kamatagi village of Bagalkote district. In September 2013, SKV Founder Judy Frater was invited to a Catalytic Think Tank on the development of Bagalkot District, Karnataka, much of which was to be submerged by a large dam.

Bagalkote is known for hand-woven Ilkal sarees, which have a strong and well-loved identity. The handweavers of Bagalkot are struggling to compete with power loom copies of their work. In order to sustain their livelihoods, they now use cheap synthetic yarn and even make copies of Varanasi saris on recently introduced jacquard looms. Somaiya Kala Vidya felt there was a more straightforward, satisfying and sustainable alternative: empower weavers to design for new markets.

In January 2014, Bhujodi weavers and Program Coordinator Nilanjan Mondal travelled to Bagalkot to secure the support of handweavers and identify participants. In March 2014, five brave Bagalkot weavers and a coordinator visited Bhujodi. For two intensive days, they experienced firsthand the impact of design innovation. The weavers formed three teams, and the Bhujodi Artisan Designers began to demonstrate how artisans can tap their traditions to innovate. The project involved many trips and more technical challenges than anticipated. The result was the Bagalkot weavers discovering a love of tradition, and a collaboration of artisans culminating in a robust sale in the prestigious Artisans gallery, Mumbai.

Within two months, the weavers were ready to learn design. SKV held its first outreach course on Colour at the weavers cooperative society in Bagalkot, and ten artisans attended. Sourcing from nature and directly dyeing yarns in these colours was a highlight. Within two weeks, each artisan created a colour blanket with a new palette, and dreams of creating new markets.

During multiple visits that were organised between 2021 and 2023, and subsequent meetings with the Alumni of the programme from Kamatagi, it was found out that the artisans still faced multiple challenges. An environment was created for the artisans to come together and request an independent design school for the artisans of North Karnataka. Director Nishit Sangomla, along with the alumni, visited 6 different villages around Kamatagi where Ilkal weaving was still being practiced. After an interaction with more than 150 artisans, it was found that an independent school in Kamatagi would be feasible and would benefit the community. A proposal was drafted and sent both to the HO - KJ Somaiya Trust and to Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. After securing the required approvals and funding, and substantial support from the Alumni who now formed the advisory body, SKV - Bagalkote was born. Staff were recruited throughout 2023, and the first class began on 18th March 2024. 10 students joined the initial programme, 7 men and 3 women, but due to personal reasons, four of them dropped out. 6 graduated in December 2024. They formed a brand called Kai-ele and made a good sale of INR … The group collectively has made INR. Where earlier income was only INR… one of the students, Malikarjuna joined as the permanent faculty for the next class. 13 students, including two women, formed the second class, sustaining hope and preserving cultural heritage. We have high hopes for our school in Bagalkote and would reach out to other craft communities in and around.