A class for basic training in applique work in progress at Sidac in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, July 25: Orissa’s awe-inspiring cultural heritage and distinct tradition of painting, sculpture, architecture, art and crafts give the state a special identity in the global scenario. In order to preserve this craft and heritage and generate employment opportunities for creative minds, skill training plays a key role.

Institute

The government-run State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (Sidac), at Gandamunda, Bhubaneswar, provides institutional training in handicrafts. It has training schools at the district level as well.

Course

Sidac offers three programmes. The annual intake in each is 10. The last date for application is July 27. A test and interview would be conducted from July 28 to 30.

One-year certificate course in basic training in handicraft skills: The course covers training in crafts such as appliqué, patta painting, palm leaf engraving, stone carving, terracotta and woodcarving.

Each craft involves 1,450 hours of practical and 50 hours of theory classes. The applicants must be Class VIII graduate and aged between 14 and 40 years. The selection will be done through a drawing test of 30 minutes followed by an interview. A monthly stipend of Rs 600 will be given to trainees.

One-year certificate course in higher training: This course includes training in appliqué, patta painting, palm leaf engraving, stone carving, terracotta and woodcarving.

Each involves 1,400 hours of practical classes and 100 hours of theory classes. Apart from the minimum eligibility of Class VIII pass and age limit of 15 to 40 years, an applicant must have passed the basic level course in craft or have a minimum work experience of five years in the craft concerned. Candidates will be selected through a practical/drawing test of three hours’ duration followed by an interview. A stipend of Rs 700 will be given to a trainee per month.

One-year certificate course in master’s training: The three crafts covered under this course are patta painting and palm leaf engraving, stone carving and woodcarving. The syllabus for this course includes 1,350 hours of practical and 150 hours of theory classes. After completing the course, trainees will undergo six months’ internship with shilpi gurus (national awardees) or with handicraft production units. The minimum educational qualification for this course is also Class VIII pass and the applicant has to be between 16 and 40 years. He/she must have passed higher-level course in craft or have a minimum work experience of seven years in the craft concerned.

Other information

Each course includes practical and theoretical classes such as material and skill workshop, free hand drawing, field visits and craft specific theory. The medium of instruction is Oriya. Seats for applicants belonging to SC/ST category are reserved as per government norms. However, vacant seats would be transferred to general category. Free hostel accommodation would be provided to male candidates on a need basis. All courses would commence from August 1 and classes would be held from 10am to 5pm.

Scope

According to Sidac authorities, most candidates come from traditional artisan families while young girls and homemakers generally prefer appliqué and patta painting courses.

After completing the course, the candidates can start a business of their own, be attached to handicrafts entrepreneurs as master craftsmen or get employed as training instructors in art and crafts institutes. Those from traditional artisan backgrounds can employ their skills for developing out-of-the-box products for a contemporary market, keeping the ethnic touch intact.

Seniors say

Urmila Pradhan, who is doing her basic training in appliqué work, says the applicants must have basic drawing skills and lots of creativity to succeed in the handicrafts industry while her classmate Rashmita Mishra feels it is one’s interest in arts and crafts, which makes a difference.

“It is quite a challenge to sustain traditional art forms and those with a genuine inclination can make it big in this field and develop innovative products,” Rashmita said.