Craft Collective, an institution-led initiative focused on strengthening India’s craft ecosystem, on Tuesday announced its first-ever Craft & Culture Forum, to be held in Kolkata from January 29 to February 1, 2026. The announcement was made at a press meet at the Press Club, Kolkata. The four-day forum is being organised by Foundation for MSME Clusters in partnership with Karu, Red Strategy Partners and The Red Bari, with support from Cisco under its India Cash Grant Program. The forum aims to connect artisans, designers, buyers and institutions with contemporary and global markets.
The event will feature curated exhibitions, a marketplace, dialogue sessions, masterclasses and cultural performances. Artisan clusters from Assam, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are expected to participate, allowing direct interaction between craft practitioners and visitors.
Kolkata was chosen as the host city due to its long association with textiles and cultural exchange. Sagnik Lahiri said the city’s legacy makes it a natural starting point for the initiative.
In Kolkata, the forum is expected to provide local designers, retailers and small businesses access to new sourcing networks and buyers. With growing demand for handmade and ethically produced goods, the city’s craft and textile market is likely to benefit from direct engagement with national artisan clusters and industry leaders. The forum is expected to draw participation from leading figures such as Vikram Joshi and Nandita Raja, along with senior diplomatic representatives including the Consul Generals of France and Italy.