The Tribal Design Forum is organizing a three-day bootcamp from 2nd October to 4th October at ‘The Heritage’ in Kohima to collaboratively explore how art, design, and technology can benefit the tribal communities of Nagaland. This event aims to foster a deeper understanding of these fields through case studies, workshops, film screenings, showcases, and group discussions, leading to more informed awareness among practitioners and policymakers envisioning the growth of tribal communities in Nagaland.
Experts from various states across the country will participate as guest speakers in this three-day bootcamp. Notable speakers include Hetvi Trivedi, a GI expert from Gujarat; Abhijit Sinha from Bangalore, focusing on ‘Project Design Education for Yourself’; Architect Ankush Chandran from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies in Mumbai; Rida Goteph and Gopal Krishnan from Dakti Craft in Meghalaya; and Daniel Syiem from Design for North East India.
During the bootcamp, a distinguished panel discussion will feature prominent speakers, including Padma Shri recipient Sentila Yanger, MLA Hekani Jakhalu Kense, and Asenla Walling from the Department of Industry and Commerce of the Nagaland Government; Veyielo Doulo from the Department of Tourism; and Reny Wilfred, Joint Secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland. Additionally, H. Alongse Sangtam, Joint Director of the Department of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, along with APP Menguzelie Suhu, Secretary and Ex-Officio Director Kovi Meyase, will grace the panel with their esteemed presence.
Participants from various states will join Nagaland’s designers, gaining insights not only from discussions and workshops but also by experiencing a glimpse of Naga culture and its rich heritage.
The Tribal Design Forum is India’s only community of multidisciplinary designers and creative professionals from various tribes across the country. The forum seeks to explore how design and other creative activities can help the tribal communities—economically, socially, and culturally.
Since 2021, the Tribal Design Forum has been organizing weekly online interactions with domain experts across sectors who either belong to indigenous communities or have been working for the benefit of indigenous communities not just in India but around the world. The primary goal is to raise awareness among members of the tribal communities in India about global best practices, case studies, success stories, and other indigenous cultures.
The bootcamp organized by the forum is part of this effort, where designers, stakeholders, and experts from various fields can engage in meaningful discussions that benefit the local community culturally, economically, and intellectually.
This bootcamp in Kohima is being held in collaboration with Textile Designer Margret Zinyu and her label “Woven Thread.” This is the second edition of the TDF bootcamp; the first edition was held in Tejgadh, Gujarat, in collaboration with the Bhasha Research and Publication Center at the Adivasi Academy. The third edition of the bootcamp will take place in Ukhrul, Manipur, from October 6 to October 8, in collaboration with Eshi.
Further details about the bootcamp can be found at www.tribaldesignforum.com.