Mithila Art is indigenous to Nepal's Mithila region and has been practised by women from marginalized communities for long. Today, its traditional identity and potential to support women's economic independence face growing challenges. Since 2019, SAATH, with Danfe Works as a marketplace partner, has supported Mithila artists. This project aims to strengthen "Mithila by Danfe" as a sustainable livelihood opportunity while preserving cultural identity and promoting art as a tool for advocacy.
Mithila Art has traditionally been practised as a form of cultural and artistic expression, while its potential as a source of income for women and tool of advocacy is relatively new. Limited product diversification, inconsistent quality, and inadequate market access have restricted its growth as a livelihood opportunity. Mithila Art products also have limited reach in national and international markets, making it difficult for women artists to earn sustainable incomes from their skills.
The project brings experienced Mithila artists together to form a production unit, creating a collaborative space for skill development, production, and income generation. Artists engage in product development & diversification, while receiving end-to-end training in design, production, quality assurance, marketing, & sales. By connecting artists to markets and strengthening product quality and business skills, the project will help establish Mithila Art as a sustainable livelihood opportunity.
The project aims to sustain Mithila by Danfe as a platform that creates long-term livelihood opportunities and supports the financial independence of Mithila artists. By strengthening product quality, diversification, and market access, it will enable more Made in Nepal products to reach national and international markets. In the long term, the project will contribute to regular income, sustained employment, and greater economic independence for women artists.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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