New Delhi, June 11, 2025 — The prestigious AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship 2025 is officially open for applications, inviting artisans, craft collectives, and design studios from across South Asia to submit their finest work. The award, a collaborative initiative by Architectural Digest India and the JSW Foundation, celebrates the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design innovation.
🎯 What is the AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship?
This annual award honors exceptional artisans and designers who are preserving age-old craft techniques while giving them a bold, contemporary twist. From heritage textile revival to innovative woodwork, the prize has become one of the most respected platforms for showcasing India and South Asia’s rich artisanal legacy.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional skills and today’s design aspirations—offering recognition, visibility, and meaningful opportunities to the finest creators in the region.
🌏 Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual artisans
- Craft collectives or cooperatives
- Design studios and entrepreneurs
- Social enterprises working with traditional craft communities
Applicants must be based in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.
Your work must be handmade (or partly handmade), showcase original creativity, and reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage in a modern context.
🏆 Awards & Benefits
Winners of the 2025 edition will receive:
- A cash prize
- A dedicated feature in Architectural Digest India
- Showcase opportunity at the AD Design Show under the curated Karigar Pavilion
- National and international exposure to buyers, collaborators, and design communities
Additional recognition includes:
- Emerging Artisan Award: A 3-month residency at Hampi Art Labs
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring a master artisan or institution for decades of contribution to the field
📝 How to Apply
The deadline to apply is July 7, 2025. To submit your entry:
Email your application to adxjswcraft@condenast.in with the following:
- Applicant Details – Name, region, studio name, and team
- Craft Description – Traditional techniques, materials used
- Concept Note – 500-word story behind the work submitted
- Impact Statement – Cultural, social, or environmental relevance
- Image Portfolio – Photos of the final product + process shots
- Disclosure – Mention any brand collaborations, if applicable
⛔ Note: Any false representation, plagiarism, or misattribution may result in disqualification from current and future editions.
🧵 Why This Award Matters
In a world moving rapidly toward automation, the AD x JSW Prize emphasizes the value of the human touch, cultural continuity, and sustainable practices. It spotlights artisans who not only preserve heritage but transform it into something future-ready.
From handloom revival in Nagaland to reimagined Bidriware from Karnataka, the past winners have redefined how traditional skills can thrive in today’s design economy.
🔙 Notable Past Winners
- MA Rauf – Bidri artist from Karnataka
- Sandeep Sangaru – Woodworker from Bengaluru
- Heirloom Naga – Textile collective from Nagaland
- Wicker Story – Rattan and cane innovators from Hyderabad
- Kalhath Institute – Hand embroidery revival
