Bengaluru, 19th September 2024 – Flourish is thrilled to announce the return of its esteemed event “Flourish Hearth” for its 2nd Edition, scheduled for September 21st and 22nd at the distinguished Shankaraa Foundation. This highly anticipated event will feature over 50 artisans, industry leaders, and discerning consumers, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship and sustainable innovation.
Flourish Hearth offers an unparalleled platform for artisans to showcase and sell their meticulously handcrafted works directly to an engaged audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of artisanal products, including jewelry, apparel, and home decor, while interacting with the skilled makers behind these unique items. This initiative is designed to foster meaningful connections between creators and consumers, emphasizing the intersection of artistry and sustainability.
A standout feature of this year’s event is an impressive 16 feet tall kinetic installation, crafted entirely from scrap materials such as chips wrappers, cassette tapes, and old CDs. Designed by Madhuri Umashankar from Bangalore Creative Circus (BCC), this installation embodies the ‘Design the Waste’ ethos, showcasing how resources can be repurposed creatively and sustainably.
The event will present a series of engaging workshops, offering immersive experiences in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Highlights include:
- Kautuk: Discover the ancient art of Tholu Bommalata (Leather Puppetry) and craft intricate leather shadow puppets, including festive decorations.
- Mehrang: Engage in the art and science of fragrance creation by crafting personalized scented wax melts and exploring aroma blending.
- Nirmaan: Design and build miniature structures from authentic terracotta, guided by experts with all necessary materials provided.
- Nakashi: Learn the ancient art of Kalamkari from master artisans, creating intricate designs on fabric using traditional techniques and natural dyes.
- Chitraang: Create hand-painted Cheriyal masks inspired by Indian mythology, guided by skilled artisans.
- Aavran: Craft personalized earrings, pendants, and bracelets from natural clay, with expert guidance through each step of the process.
“Flourish Hearth is a pivotal platform that underscores our commitment to empowering artisans and advancing sustainable practices. This event not only celebrates the art of craftsmanship but also fosters essential connections between creators and the community, driving positive impact,” said Neelam Chhiber, Managing Director of Industree Foundation.
One of the highlights of the event will be “ZAINAB – An Evening of Soulful Sufi Music,” presented in collaboration with Mehfil-E-Ishq on September 21st. This exclusive performance, featuring acclaimed artists Aanchal Shrivastava and Divya Batra Das, promises a profoundly enriching experience for Sufi music enthusiasts.
Additionally, Flourish Hearth will host a panel discussion titled “Preserving Heritage, Securing Livelihoods: Weaving a Sustainable Future.” This insightful dialogue will bring together artisans, environmental experts, and anthropologists to explore how traditional crafts can address climate change and promote sustainable development. Panelists include Pinky Chandran, a plastic policy analyst, author, and community journalist with a focus on waste management and environmental advocacy; Romal Laishram, Assistant Editor at the New Indian Express-Indulge, renowned for his insights into cultural and environmental issues; Ruchita Singh, founder of AMAR KOSA, and Veena Hegde, founder of Prashanti Foundation and a mentor in sustainable rural livelihoods, who will share their expert insights on how traditional crafts can play a crucial role in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, ensuring the preservation of our cultural heritage while fostering sustainable economic growth.
“Flourish Hearth is all about connecting artisans with conscious consumers in a way that truly celebrates sustainability. The event plays a key role in emphasizing transparency and celebrating every step of the journey, from the hands that create to the hands that buy. We want every purchase to feel meaningful, making a real impact that both artisans and consumers can truly appreciate,” added Pragati Tripathi, Chief Operating Officer, Flourish.
A participating artisan, Mallamma Yalawar, from Sabala Handicrafts shared, “Being involved in Flourish Hearth allows us to reach a wider audience and engage in important discussions about handmade crafts and sustainability.”
