Up Scaling Local Creative Artisan ARCH Cluster – Case of Metalware Cluster in South India

Abstract

Up scaling of local creative artisan ARCH (Artistic, Rural, Cultural, and Heritage) clusters is the need of the hour. There are many artisan clusters in India that are in the verge of decline due to many challenges including the lack of manpower, money, and markets. Even though they are existing in small pockets, they are finding it very difficult to make the ends meet. If ignored, these creative artisan clusters will vanish. Even though Government is doing its might, it is still not enough for up-scaling this age old local creative artisan ARCH cluster. This case brings out such a handicraft cluster in Tanjore District of Tamilnadu. The case discusses about the Indian Handicraft Industry and specially the Art Metalware, Artplate and its manufacturing process, background of artisans, current ways of doing business and the existing institutional set-up.