1. Craft Cluster Activities July 2016 – June 2017
National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata
Craft Cluster Activities July 2016 – June 2017
The Craft Cluster Initiative at NIFT is designed with the following objectives to sensitize NIFT students to the realities of the craft sector and give insight into regional sensibilities and diversities, resources and environment. Through this initiative, NIFT has been successful in creating a widespread awareness and sensitivity in merging crafts with fashion. The program is envisaged to provide an edge to the students of NIFT by providing systematic, continuous and regular exposure every year to the diversely rich and unique handlooms and handicrafts of India. The students also contribute in the areas of process innovation, production planning, and research based improvisation and quality management.

2. Kantha Cluster: Gopdihi/Mahidapur Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
Barasat Location: North 24 PGS, West Bengal
Activities Undertaken: Craft Research & Documentation
Craft Demonstration Workshop
Craft Awareness Programme
Departments Involved : Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Leather Design, Textile Design, Fashion Management Studies

3. Craft Based Product Development
(Fashion Design Department)
Document based on diagnostic study and Research for market need identification
Product Development along with packaging and marketing plan utilizing Kantha, Batik, Jute Craft, Sholapith etc.

4. Leather Batik & Embossing
Craft: Leather Batik & Embossing
Cluster: Bolpur, Shantiniketan, Location: Birbhum, West Bengal
Sodpur, Garia, Location: Kolkata
Activities Undertaken: Craft Research & Documentation
Craft Awareness Programme
Departments Involved : Leather Design, Fashion Management Studies

5. Leather Craft: Product Development
(Leather Design Department)
Workshop conducted for the crafts Sabai Grass, Kantha, Sitalpati, Patachitra
The students along with the artisans have done extensive research & design development and developed diversified products

6. Dokra
Craft: Dokra
Cluster: Dariyapur
Location: Burdwan, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Research & Documentation
Departments Involved : Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Leather Design, Fashion Management Studies

7. Handloom Weaving
Craft: Handloom Weaving (Tangail/Jamdani/Baluchari)
Cluster: Begampur Location: Hoogly, West Bengal
Phulia/Shantipur Location: Nadia, West Bengal Kalna/Samudragarh/Dhatrigram Location: Burdwan, West Bengal
Bishnupur Location: Bankura, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Research & Documentation
Craft Awareness Programme
Departments Involved : Textile Design, Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Management Studies

8. Baluchari
Craft: Baluchari
Cluster: Bishnupur
Location: Bankura, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Documentation, Marketing, strategy and craft branding & promotion
Craft Awareness Programme
Departments Involved : Fashion Communication

9. Craft Design Project
(Textile Design Department)
The students along with the artisans have done extensive research & design development and developed diversified products on Handloom & Handicrafts like Kantha, Batik, Applique, Block Prints, Jute Craft, Patachitra etc.
Workshop conducted for the crafts Kantha & Batik

10. Sabai Grass, Madurkathi, Cane & Bamboo
Craft: Sabai Grass/MadurKathi/Cane & Bamboo
Cluster: Markandachak
Location: West Midnapore, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Based Design Project
Craft Based Design Project Prototyping
Craft Demonstration Workshop
Department Involved : Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories

11. Terracota/Clay Pottery/Ceramics
Craft: Terracota
Cluster: Panchmura Location: Bankura, West Bengal
Craft: Clay Pottery & Ceramics
Cluster: Barasat Location: 24 PGS(North), West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Demonstration Workshop
Craft Research & Documentation
Department Involved : Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories

12. Patachitra
Craft: Patachitra
Cluster: Pingla
Location: Midnapore, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Demonstration Workshop
Craft Research & Documentation
Departments Involved : Fashion Design, Leather Design, Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories

13. Zari Embroidery
Craft: Zari Embroidery
Cluster: Panchla
Location: Howrah, West Bengal
Activity Undertaken: Craft Research & Documentation
Departments Involved : Fashion Management Studies