R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund Sponsors the Kula Innovate Challenge Award for Three Craft Enterprises in India.
The R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund is proud to sponsor the Craft Revival Award of the Kula Innovate Challenge. Launched by 200 Million Artisans, the Kula Innovate Challenge provides a pathway to catalytic capital for craft enterprises across India, and offers award winners mentorship, cash awards and connection to a global network. These award-winning craft innovators — Mianzi, Samakhya Sustainable Alternatives, and The Wool Knitters — have been recognized for their innovations in climate action, sustainability and the circular economy.
200 Million Artisans advances India's cultural economy by bridging gaps in research, networks, and capital for craft-led enterprises. Founded by Priya Krishnamurthy, 200 Million Artisan works to equip these enterprises with the tools, connections, and funding needed to drive dignified employment, gender inclusion and climate-positive innovation across India.
Kaliyachak Girls’ Learning Centre
The Kaliyachak Learning Bridge for Girls functions on the premises of Samaj Kalyan Mandal, in the village of Kaliyachak, District Nalanda, Bihar. Samaj Kalyan Mandal is a 40 year old community-based organization. The Learning Centre has classes from Standard 1 to 6 and operates six days a week, in the mornings in summer, and in the afternoon in winter. The students come from Kaliyachak and the neighbouring hamlets of Saristanagar, Aganu bigha, Mal bigha, Linepar, Nauliya bigha, Bhadauan and Bhat bigha. Approximately 75% of the girls enrolled in the Centre regularly attend the government school later in the day. The rest return home to help with household chores and care for their siblings.
Why We Invested: Karghewale
Working with weavers, most of whom are graduates of WomenWeave’s The Handloom School where they have completed an intensive curriculum in design, entrepreneurship and management, Karghewale helps these young creative entrepreneurs, leveraging their skills in textile design and production, to bring handwoven textiles of exceptional design and quality to new markets.