Hundred Hands: Artisan Membership Program Launched

A Hundred Hands (AHH), a Bengaluru-based collective known for promoting handmade art, has introduced a membership program designed to support business growth for artisans and hobbyists. Founded by sisters Mona and Sonia Dhawan, AHH has organized numerous events, including The Festival of Handmade.

According to AHH Co-founder Mona Dhawan, the collective’s exhibitions have drawn significant attention. “We received over 5,000 visitors at our NIFT exhibition, and our exhibitors reported sales volumes of over Rs 3 crore,” she stated.

Feedback from attendees and exhibitors highlighted a demand for online platforms and a desire to showcase handmade products in contemporary home settings. Dhawan noted, “We got other ideas about the need to show more handmade products in the modern home to remove the perception that they are old fashioned.”

AHH’s new membership program reflects a commitment to aligning with the preferences of the younger generation, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of handmade items. Handmade products embody culture, craftsmanship, and human connection, offering an alternative to mass-produced goods.

The handmade sector also fosters entrepreneurship by requiring creativity, skill, and manageable startup costs, enabling individuals to establish businesses from homes or small studios. Handicrafts contribute to exports, tourism revenue, and regional development, particularly in developing economies.

Consumers who purchase handmade Indian products support livelihoods, preserve culture, and promote sustainable production. The act of creating something by hand offers personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

India’s handmade products reflect its rich cultural heritage, with each region offering unique artistic expressions shaped by local history, materials, climate, and customs. AHH recently presented a curated display of Karnataka weaves and crafts at Windmills and is preparing for its main festival at Jayamahal Palace later this year. The collective has also announced its 2026-27 Membership Programme.

“It has been a wonderful journey for us over the past 16 years, and the Membership Programme this year is extra special where we are looking at a more engaging association,” Mona Dhawan said.

The primary goal of AHH is to assist individuals whose livelihoods depend on handmade products by providing resources for improvement, development, and brand building. AHH offers programs focused on business growth through market access, branding, and marketing, with insights from experts and community members.

Dhawan emphasized the importance of community support among crafters, stating, “Many crafters work on their own. AHH aims to build a crafters community that supports one another.”

Artisans are guided on brand building and promoting their work through AHH’s network. Members benefit from workshops, knowledge resources for business planning, and opportunities to sell their products through AHH catalogs and promotions. Exhibition spaces are offered at discounted rates, with membership selection based on work quality, finesse, and alignment with the year’s theme.

The membership program aims to revive and promote craft, with fees ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000 per year, depending on the category, including individual artisans, artisan clusters, designers, NGOs, collectives, and cooperatives.

Handmade products are unique, with no two pieces alike, creating a personal and meaningful connection for buyers. These goods preserve traditional skills and connect modern consumers with history and local storytelling.

Handmade production is often more sustainable, utilizing local and recycled materials, and small-batch methods that minimize waste. Ethical purchasing is increasingly valued by consumers, making handmade goods relevant in today’s economy.

“The artists who innovate succeeded the most. And actually meeting the craftspeople and artisans is a breath of fresh air for our shoppers,” Dhawan concluded.