Royalties for Artisans

Block printing is an ancient way of decorating the surface of the fabric by hand using hand-carved blocks. The craft developed over centuries in different communities across India (and other places in the world). To achieve the final result, the process requires the collaboration of different communities. Many traditional patterns were developed within the communities and reflecting their beliefs and ways of life.

We have created a new model of codesign, collaboration, and indigenous craft protection. Using our design skills training workshops we generate innovative motifs and patterns with indigenous craft communities and designers from around the world. The outcome of these workshops is protected and licensed for makers to use around the world. Our in house label creates new products, giving these newly minted designs a platform for sale around the world.

Ethical and sustainable collaboration with artisan communities requires the informed consent of the artisan, crediting the source community, and fair compensation for the knowledge and input. CIPRI (Cultural Intellectual Property Rights Initiative) has developed the 3 cs rule as a tool for businesses that want to collaborate and work with artisans and indigenous communities. The 3 cs are consent, credit, and compensation.