Click here to apply for CraftHER 2026!

Head to @CraftHERbySwara Instagram to glimpse the journeys of our 2024 and 2025 cohorts, because pictures truly speak a thousand words.

Swara is on a mission to bring Indian mysticism to the world through uplifting crafts and craftswomen. We’re inviting you to be part of this journey.

After an unforgettable 2025 edition, where scholars travelled across Kerala learning from women artisans, building businesses, and finding themselves along the way, we’re opening applications for CraftHER 2026.

From Chendamangalam’s heritage looms to Athirapally’s forest collectives, CraftHER connects global university scholars with India’s living craft traditions. Together, you’ll explore sustainability, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership, while living, learning, and creating alongside artisans.

• CraftHER Journey of Maisie Angus
• CraftHER Journey of Elizabeth Reid
• CraftHER Journey of Isabel Iino
• CraftHER Journey of Maisy Ekins Malcom
• CraftHER Journey of Maggie Naylor

If you’re ready for a life-changing summer in Kerala, fill out this Google Form to apply for CraftHER LiA 2026!

Now answers to some FAQs

Question: From when to when does the project take place? 

Answer:

Tentatively, the dates are 1 July to 8 August 2026. There will be a total of 6 weeks with week 0 being reserved for cultural training and the remaining 5 weeks for hands-on work on the field.

Question: What exactly do scholars do in the project? What kind of work, in what areas, what skills do I need?

Answer: 

In the CraftHER project, scholars will work on both group-based mini-consulting projects and their own individual entrepreneurial project throughout the 6 weeks. Each week, you and your team will tackle one mini-consulting project, working together to solve real-world challenges faced by the partner organisations. As a group, you'll decide how to divide tasks and collaborate to achieve the best outcomes. Alongside these team-based projects, you’ll also be developing your own entrepreneurial venture.

For example, one of CraftHER 2024 cohort scholars, Lucia, launched her own fashion brand, The Flip, during her time at CraftHER, working with women artisans in Kerala. She was not only founding her brand from scratch, but also fully participating in the weekly mini-consulting projects with her team. Similarly, other scholars juggled their personal projects alongside their group consulting work.

Question: Could you describe the accommodation? E.g. what type of accommodation, environments etc. Would you describe the living environment as physically and culturally challenging?

Answer: 

Over the six weeks of the CraftHER programme, you’ll travel across Kerala and stay in four beautiful and distinctly local accommodations that reflect the region’s warmth and diversity.

In Kochi and Thrissur, scholars stay in traditional homestays which are comfortable, welcoming spaces that offer an authentic glimpse into everyday Kerala life. 

In Trivandrum, you’ll live at the Laurie Baker–designed SEWA Rural Centre, an architectural gem built using eco-friendly materials and nestled amidst lush greenery. With its curved brick walls, open courtyards, and shared washrooms, it’s a space that fosters community and connection with nature. You can check out more about this place on the CraftHER 2024 Scholars’ Instagram page here.

Your final stop will be a homestay near the hometown of the renowned writer Arundhathi Roy in Kottayam. You can explore the beauty of this accommodation here. During this time, you’ll also have the chance to visit Little Flower Farms—a stunning place that feels like heaven on earth! Take a peek here to see why it’s such a special location or read @Yoshino Homma 's post here.

Final accommodation bookings will be confirmed in January 2026 once your participation is confirmed. Small adjustments may occur, and that’s part of the adventure! 🌿

Question:  Who is the ideal Laidlaw Scholar for the CraftHER Project?

Answer: 

The ideal Laidlaw Scholar for the CraftHER Project is passionate about women’s empowerment and ethical fashion, ready to embrace challenges. We seek individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit who are committed to ethical practices and eager to build meaningful connections with artisans and local communities during the transformative six-week experience in Kerala.

Before applying, check out this Instagram page created by the CraftHER scholars and read their posts on the LSV here. If it excites you, then this program is for you! It will challenge your notions about the world, feminism, sisterhood, and friendship, and perhaps the most challenging part: about yourself. 

Question: Why should a student be flown into India to work on CraftHER? Why can't we just send the money spent on the project directly to the community?

Answer: 

While sending funds directly to the community can have a positive impact, the CraftHER Project offers a unique and holistic learning experience that goes beyond financial support. It provides scholars with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, work directly with local artisans and women, and develop leadership and intercultural skills that are invaluable for their personal and academic growth.

This hands-on experience not only benefits the scholars but also creates a meaningful connection between international students and the community of artisans. When international students collaborate with artisans, it fosters a rich exchange of ideas, knowledge, and creativity. This interaction brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the community, enhancing their craft and business practices.

Moreover, the students become ambassadors for these artisans, sharing their stories and creations with a global audience, which can lead to increased exposure and sales for the artisans' products. Ultimately, it's not just about giving money; it's about empowering the next generation of leaders with real-world experiences and perspectives while simultaneously providing artisans with opportunities for skill enhancement, market expansion, and cultural exchange.

The CraftHER Project aims to create a win-win situation where both scholars and the community of artisans benefit from this meaningful collaboration. The last CraftHER LiA in the summer of 2024 led to the creation of The Flip, a fashion brand by @Lucia Laffan . Lucia now creates income opportunities for women tailors and artisans in Kerala by giving them work to produce for her label. This is sustainable social change with the potential to keep growing and contributing to the community, and it was born through CraftHER!

If you have further questions leave a comment down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.