Mumbai, November 14, 2024: 200 Million Artisans (200M), a pioneering ecosystem enabler championing India’s cultural economy, is set to host the 2nd edition of Kula Conclave 2024 at Goa’s Kala Academy from December 2-4. This year’s theme, “Innovation Futures for Climate and Inclusion,” will spotlight transformative opportunities for India’s Creative Manufacturing and Handmade (CMH) sector, a critical pillar of the country’s $1 trillion handmade economy.
A major highlight of the event is Kula Innovate, an initiative designed to address the significant R&D gap in India’s CMH sector, which affects nearly 80% of craft-led enterprises. Launched in August 2024, Kula Innovate has already garnered 175 applications and raised ₹1.3 Crores ($160,000) through strategic partnerships. The winners of this challenge will be celebrated during the Conclave.
The three-day, invite-only event will convene 250+ stakeholders, including creative-cultural and craft-led businesses, investors, funders, academics, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, to shape actionable pathways for innovation, climate resilience, and inclusivity in the handmade economy.
Key Themes and Distinguished Speakers
The Conclave will focus on five core themes:
- Inclusive Capital
- Climate Action
- Dignified Employment
- Future-Ready Innovation
- Ecosystem Building
An impressive lineup of thought leaders will lead these discussions, including:
- Gaurav Jai Gupta – Designer
- Audrey Selian – Director, Artha Impact (Rianta Capital, Zurich)
- Sumati Mattu – CEO, Group Strategy Projects, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd
- Ruchira Das – Director, Arts India, British Council India
- Huda Jaffer – Director, SELCO Foundation
- Roopa Mehta – CEO, Sasha Association for Craft Producers
- Hyeyoung Cho – Curator and Chairperson, The Korea Association of Art and Design
- Mimi Nicklin – Founder, Empathy Everywhere
- Manish Saksena – Lead Advisor, Aadyam Handwoven
- Subodh Kerkar – Celebrated artist and Founder, Museum of Goa
A Platform Co-Designed by the Community
What sets Kula Conclave apart is its community-driven approach. Over 20 key stakeholders—including leading brands like P-TAL, Brown Living, Kadam Haat, and Urvashi Kaur—have co-designed the event to ensure it addresses the real challenges and opportunities within the sector. Attendees will experience craft-based installations, immersive cultural showcases by Goa-based organizations, and opportunities for meaningful collaborations.
Uniting Investment for Future-Ready Enterprises
Kula Conclave also serves as a platform for investment actors committed to empowering craft-led innovation. Participating organizations include Artha Impact, Beyond Capital Ventures, HCL Foundation, Upaya Social Ventures, Tata Trusts, and GetVantage, among others.
Driving the Handmade Sector Forward
Priya Krishnamoorthy, Founder of 200 Million Artisans, remarked, “This year, Kula is bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to co-create the future of India’s handmade sector. Our goal is to unlock capital, resources, and networks for enterprises driving creativity and innovation in the craft economy.”
Through its unique approach and focus on collaboration, Kula Conclave 2024 aims to redefine the potential of India’s CMH sector, fostering sustainable growth, climate action, and inclusive development.
For more information, visit: www.200millionartisans.org.
