How do you make sure indigenous crafts survive in a capitalist society? Craft, by its very nature, takes time — it is slow, deliberate, and deeply personal; the opposite of a consumerist culture that wants more, as fast as possible. Against a system that prioritizes efficiency, cost-cutting, and replication, the painstaking efforts of artisans are often overshadowed by cheaper, machine-made alternatives. This not only erodes centuries of craft heritage but also diminishes the livelihoods of those who carry these skills forward. To sustain it, then, it is important to reimagine how craft and creativity fit into our economic frameworks. And that's where Kula Conclave comes in.
A breeding ground of creative and cultural entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers, Kula Conclave by 200 Million Artisans creates a space for networking that fuels the future of India’s craft sector. It’s a movement that sets the stage for inclusive innovation and the reimagining of ‘Handmade in India.’ While the Indian craft sector is brimming with potential, only 1 in 10 craft-led businesses find easy access to the capital and support they need to truly thrive. Kula is a direct response to this gap— creating an environment where meaningful collaborations and creative solutions can take root and grow.
In several Indian languages, 'Kula' translates to family, kinship, and community. And that’s exactly the spirit of the conclave — a gathering of like-minded individuals and organizations united by a shared purpose. At its core, Kula aims to bridge the ever-present gaps in access to finance, networks, and knowledge for craft-led enterprises. Within a tech and innovation-driven landscape, Kula is carving out a space for creativity, culture, and tradition to evolve in step with the future.
This year, Kula Conclave is bringing together over 100 high-potential craft and culture-driven enterprises, with a tight-knit crowd of 300 attendees. It’s invite-only, which keeps things personal and intimate, ensuring that everyone walks away with real connections and actionable plans. The theme at the Conclave this year is 'Innovation Futures for Climate and Inclusion', a much-needed conversation in a world that’s not only dealing with the climate crisis but also grappling with social inequalities. Keeping this in mind, the conclave is designed to foster solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable and inclusive.
The 3-day Kula Conclave is taking place in Panjim, Goa, and is packed agenda filled with collaborative sessions between creative-cultural businesses, investors, funders, policymakers, and academia. Yet, instead of a formal business gathering, it is intended to have a more laid-back atmosphere where discussions can flow freely and authentically. Apart from the convening, there's also an annual innovation cycle called the Kula Innovate initiative that unlocks capital for research and development in the craft sector. It acts like a creative incubator of sorts and has already received 150+ applications and unlocked support worth over INR 1.3 crores in its very first year.
The global community is taking notice too. With confirmed participation from organizations like Artha Impact (Zurich), the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, British Council, and SELCO Foundation, the Conclave is drawing attention far beyond India’s borders. It’s proof that craft-led enterprises, when rooted in tradition, and indigenous crafts have the power to engage and inspire on a global scale.
The key to that impact, however, is how well the vision is communicated which is why Kula is putting the spotlight on storytelling. Almost 75% of the enterprises that applied to Kula Innovate have expressed the need for guidance in telling their brand stories. And let’s face it, in today’s world, storytelling is everything. They are the point of connection between the brand and its consumers. Homegrown narratives have the power to elevate ‘Handmade in India’ to new heights, and Kula is making sure these stories get told, heard, and celebrated, making way for a future where creativity, culture, and community are at the heart of sustainable progress.
Kula Conclave is taking place from December 2-4 In Panjim, Goa. Follow them here to find out more.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
This Week In Culture: India's Biggest Halloween Party, Péro’ x Hello Kitty, & More
Manam Theatre: Attend A Month-Long Celebration Of Thespian Storytelling In Hyderabad
Two Odd's Latest Installation Tells A Story Of Resistance & Survival Through Food