Since 2005, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) has been undertaking an unique intervention in West Bengal and Orissa to revive and revitalize performing folk art forms as sustainable livelihood. The project is supported by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, as a Special Project under the Swarna Jayanti Swarojgari Yojana. In West Bengal, the Departments of Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) and Information and Cultural Affairs (I&CA) of the Government of West Bengal are partnering in implementation of the project.  banglanatak dot com is facilitating design and implementation of the project interventions in West Bengal.

Folk Forms

• Baul and Fakiri in Nadia
• Chau  in Purulia
• Jhumur in Purulia and Bankura
• Gambhira and Domni in Malda
• Patachitra in Purba and Paschim Medinipore
  

Area of  work	Six districts	38 Blocks	84 Village Panchayats	149 Villages
Beneficiaries	3200 Folk artists	233 Self Help Groups	310 Women	53% Below Poverty Line

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The project has led revival of the art forms. The folk artists are receiving more opportunities to perform. Their income has increased three fold on an average.  Young generation is again interested in learning their traditional art and crafts. Local tribal festivals are being promoted as tourism destinations.

Enjoy the festival of colour with folk artists	Jhumur dance at the opening ceremony
Palash Parban Facilitation to Jhumur singer Amulya Kumar by District Magistrate of Purulia	The accomodation