Methodology
The methods of implementation are based on our hands on experience of safeguarding performing folk art forms as a means of livelihood and development of rural business hubs promoting local culture. We will use proven models for capacity building, protection, preservation and promotion of ethnic culture and heritage. In general, an action learning approach will be used for innovating ways of making folk culture a means for promoting economic development. The actions taken will be evaluated in terms of impact achieved against the set milestones and activity models (for capacity building,information dissemination, promotion, preservation, partnership building etc. ) will be accordingly refined. Theatre in development methodology will be used to build life skills and communication skills and bring about attitudinal orientation of the targeted beneficiaries to become cultural entrepreneurs. We have found that this approach is very effective for training people who lack formal education as learning is experiential. Participatory approach will be used for planning and implementation. As for example, while developing cultural heritage tourism trails, we will organise community visioning sessions to appraise their readiness and also to evolve a plan for promoting experiential tourism.
To ensure that heritage values and aesthetic aspects are preserved we will involve living treasures of the art forms (Gurus) as well as leading contemporary artistes. New stakeholders will be identified and mobilised for promoting ethnic heritage as a base for building creative economies. Advocacy will thus be a key component while designing the
actions.
We will make best use of modern recording and digital technologies. Web based approaches will be used as means for dissemination, promotion and consultation of a wide section of people. We will explore use of affordable technology for web casting live content created in the framework of this project for opening up the productions to an international audience.
Folk Festivals and fairs will be organised in different cities of India. Site specific installations and moving installations will be used to promote folk art and craft. PAX will provide multipurpose nomadic art venue and exhibition which are immersive and communicative. Folk art, science and technology will converge to create unique shows. The shows will be international in content as well as audience as it will tour the world.