Janakpur Handicraft Center (JHC)
Janakpur Handicraft Center (JHC) is one of the leading
centers for Mithila arts and crafts established 14 years back in 1994, in
Janakpur.
It aims to support the economically backward and rural
Maithili women by providing them opportunity to earn using their indigenous
knowledge of art. In male dominated Maithili society however their hands are
full of creativity women are neglected. They are not allowed to do external
work and make decisions. So JHC working on awareness of Maithili women is
empowering women by making them self-independent. And, with the dedication of
more than 35 women from different places, different caste and different class,
it is producing Mithila arts and crafts in Janakpur.
The JHC has built its foundation upon the rich artistic
heritage of Maithili women. These women have had to endure severe rest due to
practices of their culture. The center provided them their first opportunity to
earn as income and to develop artistic creations.
JHC has been participated in many joint exhibitions and also
organized numbers of solo exhibitions at different places and galleries in
Kathmandu since last ten years to expose artistic talent of Maithili women. Its
creation of new crafts and various designed arts have always attracted the eyes
of art lovers.
Mainly JHC produces Mithila art on handmade Lokta paper and
handmade cotton clothes as well as on notebooks, photo frames, writing sets,
recycled cards, mirrors, ceramics, bags, cushion covers, table clothes, ash-
trays, T- shirts, Tapestry and many other crafts. Because of this industry’s
long experience and fair trade it has spread its name widely. JHC has made its
market in UK, USA, and Japan and will be soon expanding in other countries.
The Mithila Art produced by the Artists in JHC has it's own
speciality and simplicity.
Maithili Society is male dominated society where still women
are not allowed to work outside the house. Gradually Maithili women have
started earning upright income from this art for their livelihood, which has
influenced the other women of the region. Now- a days a good number of women
are involved in this artwork who were far from education, economic independent and
making self-decision in the past. JHC gives the women artists’ confidence,
initiative and incentive to show their artistic value. They also get
encouragement to sense the validity of their dwindling traditions and more to
revive them.
At present JHC has plans to empower more than 100 Maithili
women in Mithila Art and Craft.
While trying to encourage Maithili women, sometimes JHC
artists face numerous challenges. We realize, we cannot do it alone. Let’s work
together for thousands of women trapped in pain.
Your small contribution would support them to live and
participate like other good citizens.
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