CULTURAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHTS
INITIATIVE®
MAHILA PRINT:
CO-CREATING BLOCK PRINTED DESIGNS WITH WOMEN ARTISANS IN BAGRU, INDIA
Designed to ensure protection of indigenous designs created by women artisans in Bagru and facilitate access to market for artisans, Mahila (literally meaning "woman") Print is the first-of-its-kind platform providing women artisans of Bagru creative freedom, recognition of IP Rights and fair compensation.
Together with Jeremy Fritzhand and designer Petra Valentova we co-create block-printed designs with the women artisans and by contract they are granted a remuneration calculated similarly to a royalty fee. Like artists and actors.
HOW IT WORKS?
Traditional knowledge as Competitive Advantage
Woman focused enterprise
First to market
Community based
Transparent pricing model
Collaborative design
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A platform where women artisans can also share their knowledge and skills through publications, workshops and masterclasses.
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A platform that promotes Cultural sustainability by integrating the traditional cultural expression of block-printing in contemporary textile supply chains.
“CRAFT HAS BEEN A VEHICLE TO THINK ABOUT SELF-SUFFICIENCY, SELF-EMPOWERMENT, COMUNAL EXPERIENCE AND HAPPINESS IN WORK, AS WELL AS A TOOL FOR FIGHTING POVERTY AND OPPRESSION"
MILADA BURCIKOVA / cultural theorist
01
BENEFIT SHARING
Contractual recognition of intellectual property rights and distribution of royalties to women artisans
02
CO-DESIGN and CAPACITY BUILDING
Original designs made by women artisans. Empowering and motivating the women artisans through training and enabling the creation of new designs with traditional techniques. Artisan as co-creator and knowledge partner.
03
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency of the production process and on time delivery.