The AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship is a prestigious award that celebrates the best of traditional crafts, artisanship, and techniques from around the country and beyond. The prize aims to recognize and support artisans and designers who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary craftsmanship. The central idea is to identify and reward individuals, groups, or organizations that are contributing to new conversations on craftsmanship in India.
A jury-led process is used to select the winner, with a panel of esteemed judges including Sangita Jindal, Maximiliano Modesti, Ritu Sethi, and several other prominent architects, designers, and curators. The jury shortlists and votes for a single winner, who receives a cash prize, recognition, and coverage by Architectural Digest India.
Previous winners of the prize have included a diverse range of artisans and designers, such as MA Rauf for his Bidri work, Wicker Story for their cane and rattan work, Sandeep Sangaru for his woodwork, and Heirloom Naga for their textiles. The prize has also recognized the contributions of veteran artisans, with Rajeev Sethi being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to the main prize, the AD x JSW Prize also presents a Lifetime Achievement Award and an Emerging Artisan Award. These awards aim to recognize the contributions of seasoned artisans and emerging talent in the field of craftsmanship. The Emerging Artisan Award, for example, was awarded to Shubham Mandhayn, a young artisan who is making a significant impact in the field.
The AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship is an important initiative that aims to promote and preserve traditional crafts and techniques, while also encouraging innovation and experimentation. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in craftsmanship, the prize helps to bring attention to the work of talented artisans and designers, and contributes to the development of a vibrant and dynamic craft sector in India. With its diverse range of winners and nominees, the prize has established itself as a leading platform for celebrating and promoting contemporary craftsmanship.