Assessing the impact of sharing textile crafts skills between UK and Indian universities

In November 2017 second and final year students from The University of Northampton were funded to attend a week long textile crafts programme at Amity University, Greater Noida in India. The students worked alongside their Indian counterparts and were able to learn traditional textile dyeing and decorative techniques. This paper examines the value of the experience and the subsequent impact such a learning and cultural programme had on the student group. It has been observed that many textiles students today at the University of Northampton are utilising more digital technologies to produce their textile designs, and the art of the hand printing and dyeing skills coupled with craft techniques has been reducing in recent years. The Design Council noted a skills gap in their 2017 report, Designing the Future Economy: A lack of skill, experience or qualifications in the applicant base – particularly in the craft, clothing and product/industrial design sectors. (Design Council, 2017:7) The study trip encouraged students to explore textile craft techniques and hand dyeing, working with staff and students from Amity. The paper explores the benefits of such exchanges, then maps the progress of the Northampton students in applying their new found skills upon their return to study.