Bhujodi to Bagalkot
The Bhujodi to Bagalkot project introduced the concept of Artisan-to- Artisan Design. In September 2013, SKV Founder Director Judy Frater, was invited to a Catalytic Think Tank on the development of Bagalkot District, Karnataka, much of which will be submerged by a large dam.
Bagalkot is known for hand-woven Ilkal saris, which have a strong and well-loved identity. Today, the hand weavers 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 straight-forward, satisfying and sustainable alternative: empower weavers to design for new markets.