Kalaborate

As the Social Awareness Prefect of the Student Government of the Bombay International School, my team and I planned an initiative called ‘कलाborate’, to raise funds and awareness for various artists and artisans who have been affected by COVID-19. The word कलाborate is a combination of the word ‘कला’, which means ‘art’ in Hindi, and ‘collaborate’, which means to work together. The goal of this initiative is to combine both of these aspects of art and collaboration to help artisans who are struggling in these times and to bring together a school community that appreciates and loves Indian art. 

We partnered with EkiBeki and Vimor Handloom Foundation as both of these organizations are currently raising funds to help them.

We handpicked these NGOs because Vimor and Ekibeki both support and promote Indian textiles and heritage.

1. Vimor raises funds for craftsmen and works with weavers to create sustainable and organic clothes. The funds we raise will go for rations and raw materials for the artists. 
2. Ekibeki wants to revive dying Indian crafts and assist Indian artisans by giving them a wider platform. It is a part of the Creative Dignity movement which helps Indian artists combat the effects of COVID-19. They plan to help at least 1000 families a week.

This cause is underrepresented and underappreciated, and we believe that these artisans are highly skilled, and they have been perfecting their craft for generations. Their arts are slowly dying, and these organizations are helping to revive them and preserve this important part of our culture.