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Introduction
 In India, art and craft are not merely decorative. They are conceived from the creative vision of common people; inspired by their deep devotion to god, their spiritual communion with nature and the wisdom of their traditions. Art is therefore, a reflection of the self and community, a socially unifying force, a “sacred expression” of people intrinsically linked with culture. That is why Kala Madhyam is about PEOPLE, ARTS and CULTURE – blending to form a cohesive whole.

 
 
Mission
Kala Madhyam is dedicated to supporting and empowering traditional (folk and tribal) Indian artists and artisans through systematic and sustained development efforts. We seek to ensure their social and economic well-being, nurture creative community enterprises, foster global recognition and collaboration for indigenous arts, and promote, protect and preserve the integrity and diversity of Indian art, craft and culture.
 
  Values
• Honesty and integrity
• Attention to product quality and service
• Consistent sales opportunities for artists and crafts persons, prompt final payments
• Be an active force for traditional (folk and tribal) art in society
 
  Background to Kala Madhyam
 
Kala Madhyam organically grew from Madhyam’s (a development communication’s organisation founded in 1982) initiative to stimulate development from within culture. It explored ways in which culture can provide a means of sustenance, as well as serve as a medium of social empowerment. Kala Madhyam is founded on the strong belief that “Cultural Action is Social Action”. The organisation began its activities in the year 2000, but was officially registered as a Trust in April, 2002.

Through our endeavors, we strive to offer equal opportunity and a better quality of living for artists and crafts people. We are driven by our belief in the right to food for all peoples, education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and information on an equitable basis. Our work is at the intersection of conservation, education, enterprise and empowerment.’
 
 
Why we do, what we do
• After agriculture, craft is the second largest occupational sector in India with approx 20 – 30 million people
• Colonial monopoly of Indian craft and later the industrial revolution saw the extreme marginalisation of artisans
• While craft helps supplement inadequate income from agriculture, for many, it is their only means to subsist
• Every 10 years, 10% give up their skill because they are unable to sustain livelihoods
• Tribal communities in particular suffer considerable exploitation and discrimination. They have shouldered a disproportionate share of the burden of development, accounting for half of those displaced from their traditional homes since India's independence. According to government estimates, on almost every indicator of well-being India’s tribal communities fall below the national average. Poverty and low levels of literacy, further reduce economic opportunity
• Caught in the web of commercialisation, the “essential virtues” of traditional arts are gradually fading out and little is being done to protect their authenticity
 
  We Believe
 
• Tribal/ folk artists and artisan communities need better livelihood opportunities not merely to subsist but to grow and succeed
• Self-expression, self-reliance and self-respect are central to individual well-being
• Investing in cultural assets is investing in productive assets
• Indian artisans need equal access to urban cultural and commercial spaces
• The gap between what the urban consumer pays and what the rural producer receives should be made as narrow as possible
• Traditional art and craft are environmentally friendly and reflect and reinforce our rich cultural heritage
• Adequate support and control systems are necessary to maintain the authenticity of the arts and critical to the survival of traditional Indian art forms
• Dynamic and interactive spaces will enable people develop an understanding of the arts and generate an appreciation and respect for cultures
• Traditional art and craft is more than just a fashion statement; it is about community pride, shared history and cultural relevance
 
  Our Approach
 
• Protect the craft traditions of India and help sustain livelihoods by developing a robust, viable and accessible economic market for traditional crafts
• Provide artists and artisans with opportunities for continual learning and growth. Exposure to urban centres and an awareness of regional differences may have eroded the rigid practices of what were once closed communities. But, it is such “promiscuous interfaces” that also extend the language of art
• Cultivate an integrated understanding of heritage and commerce to enable crafts people profit from their craft and yet preserve the “sanctity of their culture”.