Craftmark, Hand-made in India

ABOUT US
This blog will discuss and promote the dynamic, and expansive Indian handicraft scene. The Craftmark certifies authentic, handmade Indian products. Craftmark is endorsed as a seal of authenticity, and as a reassurance of quality and integrity. Craftmark helps consumers make informed and ethical choices. The seal is licensed to producers or retailers of Indian handicraft products. To be certified applicants undergo a vigorous process of assessment, including onsite monitoring, and an independent, transparent review by a panel consisting of leaders from the crafts sector. In a world swamped with mass produced and factory made products, Craftmark members have demonstrated their dedication to the art of the handmade. Many use natural processes and organic materials to create exquisite handmade work that is not only unique, but also good to the earth. Craftmark artisans are constantly innovating, experimenting with form and colour, and demonstrating their mastery, creativity and skill. When you purchase a Craftmark product you are helping to preserve an important source of income generation and helping to build sustainable communities.


HISTORY
Craftmark is an initiative of AIACA (All India Artisans & Craftworkers Welfare Association www.aiacaonline.org). AIACA is a membership based apex organization that works to ensure the social and economic rights of artisans through national policy research, and advocacy. AIACA runs a range of programs that work to promote new models of income generation by creating community owned and operated artisan companies. AIACA is dedicated to the long term sustainability of the Indian handicraft sector. AIACA assist artisans with improving their viability through running capacity building and organizational development programs. Our Enterprise Support Program partners with producers to expand their operations and become commercially sustainable.

OUR MEMBERS
Craftmark has certified sixty three organizations, including both artisan cooperatives, and retailers. Leading retailers, Anokhi, FabIndia, Soma, Ritu Kumar, Cotton Curio, Bodhi, and Next Shop carry the Craftmark tag. Producer groups include Sadhna, Sharmik, Abhivirudhi Sangh, Dastkar Ranthambore, Avani, Sasha Association for Craft Producers, Shrunjna, Urmul Seemant Samiti and Dastkar Andhra. For more information about Craftmark members log on to www.craftmark.org. When organizations apply for membership they must provide information about their organization. Our experts ensure that the group meets ethical standards- no child labour and fair working conditions. The second part is a form for the particular craft type that the organization wishes to be certified for. Applications must be accompanied by a sample of each craft type, a certificate of origin signed by the Managing Director or other senior executives listing the point of manufacture of the craft, and a list of final products on which the Craftmark will be used. Our team visits the producer group,who undergo a rigorous review before recommendations are presented to the independent panel and a decision made. Compliance with Craftmark standards, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation ensures credibility. The applicant must re-apply every two years.






OUR RESEARCH
Craftmark has spent years documenting craft processes found throughout in India. From the Southern most state to the Central Zone and the Far North, we have visited producers engaged in their craft and documented their diverse skills, tools, processes and materials. Indian Craft producers are amongst the worlds most creative, skilled and innovative. Many craft traditions have rich cultural meaning and techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years. Whilst rooted in tradition, artisan skills are continuously adapted, and upgraded, according to external influences, socio-cultural trends and the introduction of new design concepts. More information about craft processes can be found by logging on to www.craftmark.org

Contact Details:
CRAFTMARK
K17 A/B, 1st Floor Kalkaji, New Delhi
110019
P:26416492
F:26416491
Email: contact@aiacaonline.org