Merging Motifs Intl. Colllab

Merging Motifs: Women Artisans in Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Empowering Women at Tushkhali, Sundarbans

B-CAF, in collaboration with the Consulate of Australia in Kolkata, organised Merging Motifs: Women Artisans in Cross-Cultural Dialogue at Tushkhali, Sundarbans. This transformative program brought together Indigenous artists from Australia and women Kantha artisans to explore identity and self-expression through the medium of craft. The initiative aimed to empower women artisans by encouraging them to reflect on their personal journeys and cultural roots. Through shared stories and creative exchanges, the Indigenous artists inspired the participants to discover their unique voices and translate them into their work. The program emphasized the importance of creating a distinctive artistic identity, blending traditional techniques with personal narratives to produce meaningful and market-ready designs. The highlight of the event was the creation of individual motifs by each artisan, representing their newfound sense of self and artistic identity. This symbolic act marked the beginning of a journey toward crafting work that is both deeply personal and globally resonant. Merging Motifs celebrated the universal language of art, fostering empowerment, connection, and transformation. It reaffirmed the vital role of women artisans in preserving cultural heritage while paving the way for innovative and sustainable futures.