The 4W Global Artisans Initiative (GAI) is made up of nearly a dozen artisan groups located around the world including Ecuador, India, Nepal, Kenya, and Mexico. At these sites, leaders seek to empower artisans and their families through the promotion of their handicrafts, which supports community wellbeing and strengthens cultural heritage. Led by 4W Leaders Jennifer Angus, Carolyn Kallenborn, and Lesley Sager, GAI convenes UW-Madison students, scholars, and artisans for a horizontal learning exchange that brings about collaborative projects, unique undergraduate courses, and international internships. The program uses Design Thinking to promote empathy, understanding, enhanced design, and a road to wellbeing.
Artisans – often women who may have fewer opportunities to participate in income generation – use their increased earnings and newfound skills to pay for healthcare and education, and to meet other basic needs for their families. Artisans express a sense of pride, enthusiasm, and confidence as they continue to develop their skills and support their families and communities.
The videos below were created by students in the undergraduate course, Global Artisans 527, taught by 4W Leader and Design Studies Professor Jennifer Angus.
Tharu Basket Makers in Nepal
Video by Talia Abbe, Lily Bedell, and Taylor Lauri
Lacemakers of Presa de Barajas in Mexico
Video by Lauren Brahm, Dalia Gutierrez, & Olivia Scumaci
Kiondo Makers of Kenya
Video by Allie Banda, Dean Koleva, & Sofia Staehly
Artisans of Intag Sisal in Ecuador
Video by Gage Czuppa, Samuel Gold, & Erin Sullivan
Artisans of Sumak Muyo in Ecuador
Video by Jess Gomez & Gwyneth Allen
Co-Design Projects in India
Video by Jennifer Angus, Tim Coursen, & Erica Hess
Learn more and shop!
Join the Global Artisans Initiative Coffee Hour and Trunk Sale at 9am on Saturday, April 10th to learn more and view products available for purchase. All proceeds are invested into artisan communities.
I had just had the pleasure of going around the world with the 4W Global Artisan Initiative. The artistry and beauty and values of this project speak for itself. Again and again we see, in these short videos, a reflection of dedicated teacher-artists, students and student-artists, and artisans from around the world. They all share a desire to learn from each other, keep traditions, and have an impact on wellbeing. That impact comes in the making itself -materials, design, color, function, following patterns and expressing creativity – as well as in the freedom and choices that the related revenue gives. I have had the privilege of being with the women at many of these sites, and seeing their aspirations turn into realities. I am so in awe of what has been accomplished and lived because of this effort of faculty, student and mentors associated with this project. What is not covered here is the joy that comes from purchasing one of these products knowing that by doing so you because part of this whole beautiful chain of events. I hope those who see these videos will purchase something from GAI during the conference!