About the Organisation:
Formed over 20 years ago, this organisation has taken on the responsibility of preserving and promoting the culture and heritage
of the four southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This has taken the form of a model
village format, opened over 10 years ago, which is now a major tourist attraction and is based 30km south of
Chennai in Tamil
Nadu. The village has several aspects to it:
- On the 10 acre site are 17 historical homes that have been saved from decay and destruction by being painstakingly taken down from the various states and reassembled here.
- Indian artisans can bring their wares for sale at the village and also receive training on modern business techniques such as marketing and accounting.
- There is an arts and crafts section where Indian artisans hold demonstrations and also workshops for school children who visit the village.
- For live dance and cultural performances there is a large amphitheatre for which there are regular programmes.
- An extensive library has been collected over the years in relation to the heritage and culture of South India.
- A Gallery has been built to showcase the art of the regions.
How it began: The inspiration for the organisation came from the artisans and folk artists of the villages of South India.
The expressiveness of the visual arts, the richness of the crafts and textiles, and the pageantry and inventiveness of the folk performing
arts needed to be celebrated. However, in the 1970's and 80's artisans and performers were turning away from their crafts as their skills
were no longer being appreciated. Traditional vernacular house forms were thought old fashioned and were slowly disappearing in favour of
concrete apartment blocks. The public were not aware of the vast cultural resources that were available throughout the South.
Here was an opportunity to bring the hidden wealth of the South to light. The alternative was to witness the demise of generations of cultural history. There was no institution
to celebrate the cultures of the numerous peoples of the South and so the organisation was born and began to take shape. The Government of Tamil Nadu helped substantially by gifting
the 10 acres to start the village in 1991 but it wasn't until 1996 that they opened to the public.
The Organisation today : Having seen vigorous growth the organisation now has over 65,000 visitors
annually, of which around 16,000 are children. They are recognised as a national institution, a 'living' heritage centre with
international standards. The museum is cutting edge, there is an active and relevant program and the organisation is deeply
involved with the community it serves. They are an excellent example of what the positive synergy between the Government and
private sector in the field of culture can create.