The course, titled "INDIA_SENSED: Craft and Collaboration in the Digital Age," will be led by RISD Faculty Catherine Andreozzi and Joy Ko, and DirectCreate team members Sheela Lunkad and Rajeev Lunkad. Students will have the opportunity to experience craft as practised at the highest level in the city of Jaipur, with its long tradition and rich diversity of artisan culture, and explore how digital technologies can transform collaborations.
Throughout the course, students will have first-hand exposure to the artisan's environment and observe the production of work hewn by place-based considerations such as regional climate, culture, and infrastructure. Guided by project-based prompts and engaging in making activities together, this course invites a conversation about the nature of collaborative practices integrating craft while exploring new potential approaches to advanced technology.
The course has students from Apparel Design, Textiles, Architecture, Industrial Design, Illustration, Film and Arts and they will explore subjects of Art, Design, Craft, Sustainability, and Conservation.
DirectCreate has evolved into a platform that aims to make Handicrafts loved and aspirational again, bringing them back into popular culture. This collaboration with RISD GLOBAL provides an opportunity to expose students to the intersection of craft, technology, and culture and to learn from some of the best in the field.
RISD GLOBAL's mission is to foster cross-cultural exchange and experiences that inspire creative agency, and this course aligns perfectly with that mission. DirectCreate is an ideal partner for this endeavour, as their mission is to connect Indian artisans with the global market through digital technology.
This global travel course is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the intersection of craft, technology, and culture and to learn from some of the best in the field.
