MAATI : The Crafts School, a visionary collective by Kadam supported by TATA TRUSTS, presents a two-day immersive showcase, The Colours of Maati, at SABHA this June. Bringing together craft, culture, design, and meaningful socio-economic exchange, the exhibition offers a rare look into the living traditions of the Mithila region of Bihar. Taking place on 5–6 June 2026 at the historic Flat Roof Building at SABHA, the showcase reflects MAATI’s ongoing commitment to building long-term financial independence for artisan communities. Central to this edition is the presence of four women artisans travelling directly from MAATI’s clusters in Madhubani and Darbhanga, Bihar, to Bengaluru.
At a time when handcrafted traditions face increasing pressure from mass industrialisation, MAATI approaches as a living practice that continues to evolve. Rooted in the cultural landscape of Bihar, Mithila painting is presented here as a refined visual language shaped by memory, identity, ritual, and materiality, while adapting naturally to modern spaces, interiors, and everyday life.
The heart of the showcase lies in For these artisans, the event transcends a traditional sales platform; it serves as a critical space for direct market exposure, allowing them to engage firsthand with buyers, understand global design preferences, and assert their creative agency.
The showcase unfolds across two distinct chapters over two days, beginning on 5 June 2026 with an Exclusive Preview dedicated exclusively to architects, interior designers, hospitality brands, retailers, procurement teams, and institutional collectors to foster deep corporate and creative engagement, bespoke commissions, and long-term sourcing partnerships. The event then transitions on 6 June 2026 to a Public Showcase, opening SABHA’s doors to Bengaluru’s vibrant creative and cultural community, where visitors can explore limited-edition handcrafted collections, place custom orders, and interact directly with the stories, labor, and intricate processes embedded within each piece.
The collections presented reflect a rigorous design methodology that marries traditional skills with contemporary design thinking. Through structured training, design mentorship, and enterprise development, MAATI enables artisans to reduce dependence on middlemen and build sustainable livelihoods. The exhibition will also highlight the initiative’s foray into newer, conscious practices – including product development, dyes, and novel applications of Mithila art, all while remaining fiercely loyal to the authenticity and cultural continuity of the region.
Set within the beautifully restored heritage architecture of SABHA, the showcase creates a seamless dialogue where space, materiality, handmade processnatural es, and modern design naturally intersect. It stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation, memory and mastery; proving that when regional craft is nurtured with integrity, it naturally shapes the future of design.
