200 Million Artisans to Host Kula Conclave 2024 in Goa

200 Million Artisans is gearing up to host the 2nd edition of the Kula Conclave in Goa, which is taking place from December 2-4, 2024, at the Kala Academy. This three-day event will bring together leaders from the creative, cultural, and craft sectors to discuss the future of India's handmade economy. With the theme “Innovation Futures for Climate and Inclusion,” the Conclave aims to foster collaboration and dialogue on the evolving landscape of India’s $1 trillion craft economy.

The Kula Conclave 2024 will not only provide a platform for discussing key issues like inclusive capital, climate action, dignified employment, and ecosystem building, but it will also celebrate the winners of Kula Innovate, a new initiative launched earlier this year. Kula Innovate addresses the research and development (R&D) gap that currently affects over 80% of craft-led enterprises in India. Since its launch in August 2024, the initiative has attracted 175 applications and raised Rs.1.3 Crores ($160k) in funding through strategic partnerships.

Over the course of three days, the Conclave will feature discussions led by thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, including designer Gaurav Jai Gupta, Audrey Selian from Artha Impact, Sumati Mattu from Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd, and celebrated artist Subodh Kerkar, founder of the Museum of Goa. The event will explore how innovation, climate resilience, and inclusion can reshape the handmade economy in India.

With over 250 change-makers from across India, Kula Conclave is designed to be an inclusive and engaging space for networking and collaboration. Unlike many conferences, Kula is co-created by over 20 stakeholders from craft-led brands and cultural institutions such as P-TAL, Brown Living, Urvashi Kaur, and Fashion Revolution India. The event will also feature craft-based installations and cultural experiences reflecting Goa’s vibrant heritage, offering attendees a chance to experience the region’s rich traditions firsthand.

Priya Krishnamoorthy, Founder of 200 Million Artisans, shared, “This year’s Kula Conclave will unite a diverse group of people to co-create the future of the handmade industry, focusing on unlocking the capital and resources necessary for growth and sustainability in craft-led businesses.”

The event will also bring together a diverse community of investors and funding partners, including Artha Impact, Beyond Capital Ventures, HCL Foundation, and Tata Trusts, who are committed to supporting enterprises with future-ready solutions for the handmade sector.