"Life is a miracle and everything that happens in the world is mysteriously magical"

The Story of United Artisans of Kutch began when I started visiting some of the least known artisans of Kutch on my guided tours. Most of the tour operators, guides, drivers, travel agents were directing visitors/textile enthusiasts to some selective villages and some known people of Kutch. In fact back in a time I also used to visit those big studios however at one stage I realized that this is how we are supporting Pyramid Structure where some people on the top benefits most and many at the bottom, the real makers, the real artisans are working within limited financial & social circumstances, far away from the reach of many visitors, textile enthusiasts who are searching "Who made their cloths?" ;)

Interestingly in the time when the entire world is talking about "Supporting artisans directly", many people (buyers) are still stuck with big studios, shops and outlets (even many claims to support artisans) so I decided why not supporting those artisans straight? Not by providing them materials but by networking and capacity building.

Because if we don't support these small artisans straight they would either stop their traditional work forever or they will have no choice but to work for big businesses/shops/textile companies.

These artisans must get a Platform to represent their crafts as well as their stories.

Having generous friends (like Jessica and many others) who put their faith in me, gave me a realistic opportunity to shape this Project from a dream to a reality. I already had list of talented as well as very genuine artisans to support by promoting them on my tours, providing informal training, improving their communication skill, networking and building a strong team so that these people can support/learn from each other and grow together as a team and by end of 2016 United Artisans of Kutch was formed.

The challenge was how to support these artisans and their families so that the project could generate money for everyone and hopefully they would get recognition as Artisans with extraordinary skill and knowledge, that they have preserved for generations. It took nearly one year to shape this project and 'Give it a Go' with the hope that it will create a unique project and will be sustainable.

Eventually a few other friends/visitors of "Kutch Adventures India" started taking an interest in the project and gave it new directions to sustain. :)

UAK is the artisans' own platform shaped the way they wanted their craft to be represented in the market, the way they like to design and interpret their crafts and fulfilling their own dreams to be Independent Artisans.

Thanks for stopping by. We're looking forward to meeting you in Kutch :)

Team UAK