India_Sensed

The RISD x DirectCreate "INDIA_SENSED" 2023/24

An Immersive Collaboration of DirectCreate and RISD GLOBAL in Indian Artisan Culture and Digital Innovation

Craft Collaborations in the Digital Age

Sensing India through Touch, See, Smell, Hear, Taste

The India Sensed program, a unique collaboration between DirectCreate and RISD GLOBAL, offers art and design students an immersive journey into the heart of Indian craftsmanship. Set in the culturally rich cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this program bridges traditional Indian crafts with contemporary design and technology. Through hands-on workshops, cultural excursions, and expert-led sessions, students gain invaluable skills and insights. This transformative experience not only fosters cross-cultural exchange and sustainable practices but also empowers students to innovate while honoring the rich heritage of Indian artisanship.

Sensing

Places

Crafts

Collaborators

Impact

Global Learning Experience

The "INDIA_SENSED" program provides a unique opportunity for art and design students to explore the synergy of craft, technology, and culture, learning from leading experts in the field. DirectCreate's collaboration with RISD GLOBAL embodies their shared mission of fostering cross-cultural exchange and creative agency. This partnership bridges traditional artisans with the global market through digital technology, making handicrafts aspirational. The program's pedagogy sets a precedent for how cultural heritage and modern technology can coexist, offering invaluable insights and highlighting the limitless possibilities when tradition meets innovation.

  • Hands-On Workshops and Field Visits

    Students participated actively in workshops and field trips, gaining practical understanding of the skills and techniques used by local artisans in traditional Indian crafts.

  • Cultural Immersion

    The program emphasized deep cultural immersion, allowing students to experience Jaipur's vibrant culture, interact with local communities, and appreciate the cultural context of these crafts.

  • Focus on Sustainability and Conservation

    An integral part of the course was understanding sustainability and conservation in traditional crafts, exploring how these practices adapt to modern environmental concerns.

  • Collaborative Projects

    The program fostered collaboration, encouraging an exchange of ideas and skills between students and local artisans, thus bridging traditional and modern practices.

Pedagogy of the India Sensed 2024 Program

The program integrates experiential learning with cultural immersion, allowing students to deeply engage with traditional Indian crafts. By working directly with master artisans, students gain practical skills and an appreciation for sustainable practices. The program's collaborative projects foster innovation by blending traditional techniques with modern design. Reflection sessions and expert lectures provide critical analysis and contextual understanding, bridging theory and practice. This holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire technical skills but also develop a profound respect for cultural heritage and the potential for contemporary application.

  • Students engage directly with master artisans in hands-on workshops, gaining practical skills in various crafts such as textiles, embroidery, jewelry making, mud resist printing, tie-dye, and weaving. This practical engagement is critical for deep learning and skill acquisition.

  • The program features lectures and demonstrations by renowned experts. These sessions offer theoretical insights and contextualize the practical skills learned, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

  • Regular reflection sessions and critiques are integral to the program, providing students with opportunities to analyze their experiences, receive feedback, and refine their skills. These sessions are led by peers and instructors, fostering a supportive and interactive learning community.

INDIA_SENSED: Craft and Collaboration in the Digital Age

DirectCreate collaborated with Rhode Island School of Design's Global program (RISD GLOBAL) for a groundbreaking WinterSession travel course, "INDIA_SENSED: Craft and Collaboration in the Digital Age."

This innovative program, held in Jaipur, India, from January 9 to February 4, 2023, offered students from RISD and Brown University a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich mosaic of Indian artisan culture and its integration with modern digital technologies.

The course, led by RISD faculty Catherine Andreozzi and Joy Ko, along with DirectCreate team members Sheela Lunkad and Rajeev Lunkad, aimed to explore the fascinating intersection between India's age-old craft traditions and the evolving landscape of digital technology. Students from various disciplines, including Apparel Design, Textiles, Architecture, Industrial Design, Illustration, Film, and Arts, engaged deeply with the local artisan community in Jaipur, gaining first-hand exposure to the artisan environment and observing the production of work influenced by regional climate, culture, and infrastructure.