Reviving Indigenous Art and Empowering Youth
In a world where modernization often overshadows tradition, preserving indigenous art forms is not just an act of cultural preservation but a means of creating sustainable livelihoods. At House of Macnok, this belief is the driving force behind the Sunday for Future and Project Ayang initiative, an ambitious projects designed to revive traditional practices and empower the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
Since 2022, House of Macnok has been collaborating with various government departments, local societies, and festivals to offer free workshops on skill-based learning, specifically focused on indigenous crafts such as jewelry making and loom work. This initiative, under the theme Project Ayang, provides hands-on training to schoolchildren, teaching them valuable skills that not only preserve their rich cultural heritage but also offer them the tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
What sets Sunday for Future apart is its collaborative nature. House of Macnok has partnered with key governmental departments like the Department of Textile and Handicraft , the Department of Tourism from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the Arunachal Pradesh Rural Livelihood Mission. These partnerships are critical in providing the necessary resources and platforms to reach a wider audience and ensure that the workshops have a lasting impact.
But it’s not just government support that fuels this initiative. House of Macnok has also teamed up with local societies such as Gepo Aali, Raaseng Welfare Society, and Ekum Foundation to create a community-based support system. These societies help organize workshops in rural areas, ensuring that even those in the most remote regions have access to this skill-based training.
Expanding Horizons through Festivals and Events
In addition to working with government departments and local societies, House of Macnok has also ventured into collaborations with festivals and events to amplify their reach. By partnering with festivals like the Ziro Music Festival (ZFM), Dibang Pop-up, Mishmi Hills Resort, and the Dibang Winter Festival, they are able to engage a wider audience, combining cultural celebration with hands-on learning experiences. These festivals provide the perfect platform to introduce indigenous arts to a more diverse crowd while also promoting the importance of self-reliance and sustainability.
Project Ayang: Where Tradition Meets Livelihood
The heart of the Sunday for Future initiative lies in Project Ayang, a focused endeavor that aims to teach participants the art of jewelry making and working on looms. These indigenous crafts, deeply rooted in Arunachal’s cultural identity, are more than just creative pursuits—they are valuable skills that offer economic opportunities for the youth.
By teaching these art forms, House of Macnok is not only preserving the cultural heritage of Arunachal but also providing a sustainable income source for the younger generation. The workshops are designed to be practical, engaging, and accessible, allowing participants to take these skills and turn them into livelihood opportunities. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, where ancient practices are given a modern twist to ensure their relevance in today’s economy.
Empowering a Self-Reliant Community
The ultimate goal of Sunday for Future is to build a self-reliant and empowered community. By offering these free workshops, House of Macnok aims to equip the youth with the skills needed to create their own employment opportunities. So far, the project has reached over 1,000 participants, and the numbers continue to grow as more collaborations and partnerships are formed.
This journey, which began in 2022, is far from over. House of Macnok remains committed to expanding the reach of these workshops, ensuring that every young person in the region has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to their community. The focus is not only on skill development but on fostering a mindset of sustainability and independence.
Through Sunday for Future and Project Ayang, House of Macnok is creating a ripple effect—one that will lead to the empowerment of countless youths, the revival of indigenous practices, and the building of a more sustainable future for all.