So where are we......ah yes, Ahmedebad. Today we are off to NID (National Institute of Design). School is out so unfortunately no students are around but it is still an exciting place to be. The Institute also has links to various UK colleges so maybe a few more can be found in Scotland?
Across the road is the City Museum Corbusier building. It turns out that many of us did not realise that the museum itself is the Corbusier designed building. This is not a reflection of our tiredness but the museum does not really shout about such an asset. And we have to mention the slightly damaged Queen Vic statue outside - pics anyone?
Downstairs we meet Daybashish from the Ahmedabad Heritage Cell for a quick chat.
I think it is safe to say that we have now fully embraced the Indian culture and, more specifically, their approach to time keeping. Not sure when we last ate but we are off again and this time to SEWA. SEWA is a trade union that is made of self-employed women workers who earn their living through labour or small businesses. SWEA regard these women as the unprotected labour force of the country. We watch the women making some beautiful pieces including some for Liberty.
After a, perhaps slightly longer than anticipated, pit stop for a snack at Lokesh's sisters cafe, we are off to Rajka Designs and Pottery. We see the beautiful and contemporary textiles and fashion in their office and then move onto the pottery workshop. Rajka pottery specialises in large hand made terracotta pottery and their ambitions include blending tradition with contemporary. They are also exploring residency models. After an impressive pottery skill display we head back to the taxis.
When we are in Ahmedebad, the Heritage Festival is on many events are happening across the city including Arts Reverie's networking event tomorrow night. Tonight, we have the privilege of being invited to a special museum. A handful of us pop into a taxi and head out to Doc Locks Museum. The Mayor joins us briefly at the Docs house and we are also interviewed by and photographed for the Times of India - bring on tomorrows edition......
Dinner at House of MG where the waiters are certainly an experience to be had....
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