Export-Import Bank of India organizes Exim Bazaar – an exclusive art & craft exhibition of handmade products

MUMBAI, September 28, 2018: Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has been supporting and curating grassroots enterprises and craftsmen across India, in the areas of product development, design & packaging sensitization, with the twin-objective of reviving the traditional arts and crafts of India besides affording a sustainable means of livelihood to the artisans. The Bank, through its training programmes and workshops, has been able to motivate second generation artisans into learning ancestral crafts, build a sustainable business and help gain due recognition for the various arts and crafts, at several platforms across India and overseas.

In order to further strengthen these efforts, Exim Bank has organized an exclusively curated exhibition-cum-sale of Handmade traditional & contemporary arts, crafts and textiles from across India. The three-day event, ‘Exim Bazaar’ is being held from September 28 to 30, 2018 (Friday to Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM at the Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai - 18.

This exhibition brings together the best of traditional and contemporary crafts like handwoven Pashmina, crystal Jewellery, Madhubani Paintings, Paithani Sarees, Block Printed garments and home decor, Punjabi mojri, Bidriware, terracotta, Warli, Meenakari, Chanderi and many more of such exquisite crafts under one roof. Over 60 participants are exhibiting their craft at the Exim Bazaar.

Exim Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. David Rasquinha inaugurated the exhibition and encouraged the artisans asserting that this platform would provide the much desired recognition of and awareness about India’s traditional arts and crafts. Besides, this is an endeavour to provide encouragement and motivation to artisans to take up the production of unique craft items on a sustainable basis. Internationally, the demand and value of handmade products is increasing, and having recognized this vast potential, Exim Bank intends to showcase such craftsmanship on the international stage. 

Mr. Utpal Gokhale, General Manager, highlighted that the Bank, through its Marketing Advisory services provides hand holding support to market the goods and services of Indian grassroots enterprises. The Bank has been curating many of the grassroots artisans and has been providing them training on the latest designs / packaging techniques, which has helped them come up with newer utility products while at the same time, showcase the traditional art form. New colours, textures and materials that look attractive, are in great demand internationally.  This has opened up a new space in the design world where the products not only carry India’s rich heritage but can also be put to use in the day to day activity. The Bazaar will not only provide spot sales to participants but will also help in establishing contacts with corporate and retail buyers. Most importantly, it will also make the participants aware about the rich cultural heritage and the variety of art forms India has to offer.