A two-day exhibition titled Colours of MAATI will take place on 5 and 6 June 2026 at the historic Flat Roof Building, SABHA, Bengaluru. Supported by Tata Trusts and presented by MAATI – The Crafts School, the showcase will bring together contemporary Mithila art, handmade textiles and artisan-led craft practices from Bihar’s Mithila region. The event aims to create dialogue between traditional artistic knowledge and contemporary design while highlighting sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities.
A Platform Beyond Exhibition
Organisers describe the event as more than a conventional craft exhibition. Designed as a space for socio-economic exchange, the showcase focuses on direct engagement between artisans, collectors, architects, designers and the public. The initiative seeks to strengthen market access for craft practitioners while encouraging conversations around cultural sustainability and creative entrepreneurship.
Women Artisans at the Centre
A key feature of this edition is the participation of four women artisans travelling from Madhubani and Darbhanga in Bihar. Their presence allows visitors to engage directly with makers and learn about the lived experiences behind the artworks. The interaction also offers artisans an opportunity to present their work firsthand and participate in discussions about design, production and evolving markets.
Reimagining Mithila Art for Contemporary Spaces
Mithila painting, often associated with intricate line work and symbolic narratives, has traditionally been created using natural and organic pigments. At Colours of MAATI, visitors will encounter works that reinterpret these traditions for contemporary homes and interiors while retaining their cultural roots. The showcase highlights how craft practices can adapt to changing lifestyles without losing their identity.
Exhibition Highlights
- Contemporary Mithila paintings created with natural pigments
- Handmade textile collections inspired by Mithila visual traditions
- Direct interaction with women artisans from Bihar
- Opportunities for custom commissions and bespoke orders
- Conversations around sustainable craft livelihoods and design mentorship
About MAATI – The Crafts School
According to the organisers, MAATI works with more than 150 women artisans across the Mithila region through artisan-led learning, design mentorship and enterprise development initiatives. The organisation focuses on strengthening economic independence while supporting the continued evolution of traditional craft practices. Natural materials such as turmeric, indigo, flowers, leaves, rice paste and soot are frequently used in the making process.
Venue and Visitor Information
The exhibition will be hosted at the Flat Roof Building within SABHA, a heritage cultural venue in Bengaluru. The first day, 5 June 2026, is reserved as an invitation-only preview for architects, interior designers, hospitality professionals, retailers and collectors. On 6 June, the exhibition will be open to the public, providing visitors an opportunity to view the collections, meet artisans and place custom orders.
| Event | Details |
| Title | Colours of MAATI |
| Artist / Participants | Women artisans from Madhubani and Darbhanga, Bihar |
| Venue | Flat Roof Building, SABHA |
| City | Bengaluru |
| Opening Date | 5 June 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 5–6 June 2026 |
| Organiser | MAATI – The Crafts School |
| Support Partner | Tata Trusts |
| Entry / Tickets | 5 June: Invite-only Preview | 6 June: Open to Public |
| Website | https://www.sabhablr.in |
The Growing Relevance of Handmade Futures
As conversations around sustainability, ethical production and cultural preservation continue to gain momentum, initiatives such as Colours of MAATI offer a platform for regional craft traditions to engage with contemporary audiences. By connecting artisans directly with buyers and design communities, the exhibition demonstrates how traditional knowledge systems can remain relevant within today’s cultural and economic landscape.
Conclusion
Colours of MAATI presents an opportunity to explore the richness of Mithila art while engaging with the people who continue to sustain and evolve the tradition. Bringing together artisans, designers, collectors and the public, the exhibition highlights the role of craft in preserving cultural heritage and creating sustainable livelihoods. Through direct exchange and contemporary interpretation, the event contributes to broader conversations about art, identity and community-led development in India.
