New Delhi, April 21, 2023: On World Heritage Day, Vedanta Aluminium launched an online gallery on its own website to promote handicrafts made by local artists from communities in its operational areas. The gallery was launched with beautiful pieces of Dhokra metal work and Saura paintings being showcased for purchasing. The online gallery will be a virtual extension of Vedanta Aluminium’s on-ground initiatives to foster the legacy art forms of India and broaden their reach besides providing artisans in remote areas the opportunity to increase their earnings.
Dhokra is an exquisite metalworking art form that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and has been a part of India’s rich handicraft legacy for nearly 5000 years. However, it was becoming a fading art in Kankeri village (Kalahandi district, Odisha). To revive this craft in Kankeri village, close to its plant, Vedanta Aluminium facilitated training programs in contemporary designs using traditional techniques, provided the initial seed capital for procuring metal and raw materials, and organised exhibitions and art shows to create market linkage opportunities, enabling artisans to sell their art pieces at a better price.
Akin to this, Vedanta Aluminium also paved the way for the revival of the indigenous tribal artform of ‘Saura’ people from Odisha, who draw inspiration for the art from nature and their own way of life. The company is working with local artists to hone their skills, scale up their work, tap into new markets and carve a remunerative livelihood model. Going a step further, the company has started a training program for school students in Saura art. Vedanta Aluminium also arranged for Saura artists to showcase their skills At the Make In Odisha Conclave 2022.
Working with the state government through the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Vedanta Aluminium is helping Dhokra & Saura artists in the physical display of their products in government-run physical galleries and exhibitions. This partnership is also helping the artists access monetary grants given by the government to support artisans. The district administration has also invested in infrastructure development and making available required amenities for the people.
Speaking on the occasion of World Heritage Day, Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd., said, “Legacy art forms such as Dhokra sculptures and Saura paintings are a testimony to our country’s rich cultural heritage. We take pride in nurturing an ecosystem that promotes, preserves, and celebrates these beautiful cultural embodiments. On World Heritage Day, we recommit to enabling the artisans from our local communities empower themselves with modern skills and financial know-how, while we work towards increasing their visibility in national and international arenas.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium producing more than half of India’s aluminium. It ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry.
