“SETU-The Bridge To Artisans”, is based at Gwalior, India. `SETU’ in Sanskrit means `the bridge’. As indicated from the name `SETU-The  Bridge to Artisans’ acts as a bridge between the underprivileged/marginalized artisans and the international/affluent markets, simultaneously works for the social, economic and environmental well being of the artisan communities.

 SETU connects with NGOs and Cooperatives spread throughout India and helps them towards self sustainability.

Fair trade practices are used to give artisans self sustainability, self confidence, and pride in their art.

Background/ History

SETU consortium comprises of “SETU-The Bridge To Artisans” and “SETU-Society (Society for Empowerment and Trade Upliftment of Artisans)”. “SETU-The Bridge To Artisans” was founded with the mission to empower the social and economic standing of underprivileged & marginalized artisans by providing them sustainable growth opportunities through Fair Trade practices.

SETU Society; abbreviated for “SETU-Society for Empowerment and Trade Upliftment of Artisans” is the social welfare wing of SETU. SETU society stands out to work towards the economic and social upliftment of the less fortunate, marginalized and downtrodden, weaker sections of the society with special emphasis on the artisan communities and carries out a spectrum of activities and projects.

Network presence

SETU is currently working in 16 states of India with 40 artisan groups and more than 20000 artisans (in 2010)
SETU’s partner artisans belong to the following categories:

• Grass-root level co-operatives
• NGOs involved in art and craft activities
• Clusters and self help groups
• Tribal and rural artisans
• Persons with special needs / differently-abled persons
• Mission based groups
• Local entrepreneurs who help in boosting local economy and increase employment opportunities