Friday 5 September, 6-7 p.m. (BST): Online Talk: Reviving Traditional Craft Economies in Kutch with Kavya Saxena of Khamir
Friday 5 September, 6-7 p.m. (BST): Online Talk: Reviving Traditional Craft Economies in Kutch with Kavya Saxena of Khamir
Join us for an engaging online talk with Kavya Saxena, Director of Khamir Crafts, as she shares the journey of this remarkable organisation in revitalising traditional craft economies in India. Based in Kutch, Gujarat, Khamir supports artisan communities through a community-led model that promotes cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and resilient livelihoods.
Saxena will introduce the Khamir Model – a holistic value chain approach that begins with farmers and herders and moves through spinning, dyeing, weaving, and design to the end consumer. This model emphasises the importance of interdependence, equitable benefit sharing, and deep respect for traditional knowledge.
The talk will highlight how community empowerment lies at the heart of Khamir’s work. By collaborating closely with artisans, Khamir has helped improve design, quality, and income, while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Khamir’s commitment to sustainability has led to the revival of indigenous materials such as Kala Cotton and Desi Oon, and the integration of eco-friendly practices including natural dyeing and waste reuse.
Drawing on real case studies, Saxena will share both the challenges and triumphs of working within India’s dynamic handmade sector. The session concludes with thoughts on how this model can be adapted in other contexts to strengthen global craft traditions.
Kavya Saxena is a passionate advocate for the handmade economy with over 12 years of experience across retail, social enterprise, and artisan development. A TEDx speaker and recipient of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s 30 under 30 Leaders award, she is committed to creating sustainable systems within craft value chains.
All online talks during London Textile Month are 40 minutes long, followed by a 20-minute Q&A. A PDF with the Zoom link will be sent to you upon booking. A recording will be sent out in case you are unable to attend the live talk or would like to rewatch it.
Event Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. However, if you let us know that you are unable to attend an event you have booked at least two weeks before the event, we will open up your place. If we find another participant, you will be offered a credit note.
Visit Khamir Crafts
Follow Khamir Crafts
Description
Join us for an engaging online talk with Kavya Saxena, Director of Khamir Crafts, as she shares the journey of this remarkable organisation in revitalising traditional craft economies in India. Based in Kutch, Gujarat, Khamir supports artisan communities through a community-led model that promotes cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and resilient livelihoods.
Saxena will introduce the Khamir Model – a holistic value chain approach that begins with farmers and herders and moves through spinning, dyeing, weaving, and design to the end consumer. This model emphasises the importance of interdependence, equitable benefit sharing, and deep respect for traditional knowledge.
The talk will highlight how community empowerment lies at the heart of Khamir’s work. By collaborating closely with artisans, Khamir has helped improve design, quality, and income, while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Khamir’s commitment to sustainability has led to the revival of indigenous materials such as Kala Cotton and Desi Oon, and the integration of eco-friendly practices including natural dyeing and waste reuse.
Drawing on real case studies, Saxena will share both the challenges and triumphs of working within India’s dynamic handmade sector. The session concludes with thoughts on how this model can be adapted in other contexts to strengthen global craft traditions.
Kavya Saxena is a passionate advocate for the handmade economy with over 12 years of experience across retail, social enterprise, and artisan development. A TEDx speaker and recipient of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s 30 under 30 Leaders award, she is committed to creating sustainable systems within craft value chains.
All online talks during London Textile Month are 40 minutes long, followed by a 20-minute Q&A. A PDF with the Zoom link will be sent to you upon booking. A recording will be sent out in case you are unable to attend the live talk or would like to rewatch it.
Event Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. However, if you let us know that you are unable to attend an event you have booked at least two weeks before the event, we will open up your place. If we find another participant, you will be offered a credit note.
Visit Khamir Crafts
Follow Khamir Crafts
