Collaboration can be magical and at Direct Create we want to weave magic. All the people who appreciate and breathe art, Direct Create is a platform for them. It is everything that a hand-producer can be and more. It is a family of true art lovers that knits them together in one unit while helping them retain and expand their individuality.
Join us for 'FUTURE OF TRADITION,' a transformative three-day workshop and exhibition in Jaipur that delves into the dynamic intersection of traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation. This event brings together craftspeople, designers, manufacturers, academics, and technology innovators to explore new pathways for sustainable and culturally rich creative practices. Discover how technology can amplify the soul of craft, promote ethical collaboration, and unlock innovative possibilities for the future.
Through interactive workshops, thoughtful dialogues, and immersive exhibitions, we will explore how we can translate the sensory language of craft into digital spaces, and how we can empower communities with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a digital-first world.
This isn't just a conference; it's a collaborative effort to shape a future that honors both our past and our potential.
"FUTURE OF TRADITION" is a unique workshop and exhibition designed to bring together diverse perspectives in the craft ecosystem – from artisans and designers to academics and tech innovators. We will delve into the unique language of craft, explore the possibilities of tactile translation in digital spaces, and chart sustainable paths for the future.
Location: Sum Jaipur - A beautiful space dedicated to celebrating Indian design and craftsmanship.
This event offers a unique blend of hands-on exploration and thoughtful discussion, diving deep into the intersection of craft and technology. Each day features a morning/afternoon Design Lab followed by an evening Dialogue.
The Design Labs are hands-on workshops focused on exploring cutting-edge technology and its application to craft. Participants will engage in interactive demos, and practical exercises.
January 30: DIGITAL CRAFT SCANNING WORKSHOP:
Focus: Explore 3D scanning techniques for traditional textiles and materials.
Activities: Live demonstrations of the HP CAPTIS scanner, hands-on digital preservation techniques, student installations showcasing technology-craft integrations.
January 31: CRAFT-TECH INNOVATION LAB:
Focus: Interactive modeling and technology integration for craft enhancement.
Activities: Interactive digital modeling workshops, technology integration demonstrations, exhibition of digital craft preservation projects.
February 1: COLLABORATIVE CRAFT FUTURES:
Focus: Experiential exploration of collaborative models and digital integrations in craft.
Activities: Cross-disciplinary craft installations, technology-enabled craft demonstrations, open studio sessions with master artisans.
The Dialogues are evening conversations, held over tea and refreshments, where thought leaders explore critical topics related to the future of craft.
January 30: WHAT IS CULTURE CODE:
Focus: A panel discussion exploring how traditional knowledge systems can be integrated with contemporary design thinking. How can we ensure cultural integrity in the process?
January 31: VIRTUAL TEXTILE RESEARCH GROUP:
Focus: Examining the groundbreaking approaches of VTRG to textile research, digital preservation of craft techniques, and tactile experience in the virtual space.
February 1: FUTURE OF TRADITION:
Focus: A discussion with master artisans, manufacturers, and retailers, exploring sustainable pathways for craft communities in the digital age. How can we build an equitable future where tradition and technology are allies?
As we discuss in many of my posts, language, craft, and technology are intertwined forces that shape human experience. At FUTURE OF TRADITION, we're diving deep into this connection, asking questions like:
How can we preserve the essence of human creativity while embracing the tools of our time?
How do we ensure that technology serves as an amplifier, not a replacement, for the unique skills and knowledge of craftspeople?
How can we build sustainable and equitable pathways for craft communities in an increasingly digital world?
How do we ensure that the human element, the very soul of traditional craft, is honored in all our innovations?
This event isn't just about theory; it's about creating concrete solutions and fostering new collaborations.
Immersive Design Labs: You'll have hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, including the HP Z Captis scanner for capturing detailed textures, and digital design software such as CLO3D and Adobe Substance for exploring new forms for craft.
Thought-Provoking Dialogues: Join vibrant evening conversations with leading artisans, designers, researchers, and technologists as we explore critical topics like the cultural context of craft, digital preservation techniques, and sustainable models for the future.
Tactile Translations Exhibition: Be inspired by a curated exhibition showcasing how digital tools can translate and enhance the unique sensory experiences of traditional crafts.
Decoding the Language of Craft: How can we "read" the underlying grammar and vocabulary of different craft forms and use technology to amplify their narratives?
Ethical Integration of AI: How can artificial intelligence support and not undermine the inherent human qualities of traditional crafts?
The Future of Digital Storytelling: How can craftspeople harness new technologies to share their traditions with a global audience?
Creating a Human-Centered Ecosystem: How can we build sustainable and equitable value chains where the knowledge of the artisans is at the center of all activity?
If you're passionate about the future of creativity, the value of human skills, and the power of design to bridge cultures and traditions, then I invite you to join us for FUTURE OF TRADITION. This isn't just an event; it's an invitation to actively shape a future that honors both our past and our potential.
Traditional textile techniques, contemporary design methods, digital fabrication, material science research
Handwoven textiles, raw materials, digital datasets, VR/AR tools, open-source design libraries
3D scanning, digital modeling, textile manipulation, collaborative co-creation, virtual exhibitions, AI driven analysis, craft based research.
Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience of both traditional craft techniques and digital technologies. They will learn how to translate sensory experiences into digital forms, how to foster collaboration across geographical boundaries, and how to create new opportunities for craft communities in a digital world. They will also engage with like-minded people and create a strong community to drive the conversation further. This will serve as a springboard to launch new projects and collaborations.