Shilpgram is a Hindi word, which itself means village of arts and crafts. Shilpgram Udaipur is one of those seven centers of West Zone Cultural Center(WZCC) established by the Government in 1986. Shilpgram Udaipur is spread over the wavy terrain of 70 acres (130 bighas) of land surrounded by the Aravali. It is considered to be the living museum to depict the lifestyle of the folk and people of the west zone. Within this village (complex), huts of member states are constructed featuring the different ethnic groups residing within West Zone of India.
The Shilpgram Art and Crafts Festival/ Fair takes place every year in December end for 10 days. A highly awaited event, the fair is attended by scores of people from across India, and even the world. For those who love to learn about new techniques and forms of craft; appreciators who love to collect art from all over the world; and ethnographers, photographers, vacationers; this fair is a multicultural gala.
The Center introduced two Museums in the Shilpgram where simple objects of day-to-day use, that represent the sense of wonder and aesthetics in rural and tribal life are put on display. Besides, a Crafts Bazar in the fashion of a traditional 'haat' was made where visitors could buy traditional crafts from the Zone. Craftsmen were invited occasionally to reveal their skills and sell the crafts to the visitors at Shilpgram.
Apart from the major theatre festivals which the Centre hold here, it is hoped that this facility would motivate the local community as well as outside visitors to take a keener interest in theatre and the traditional folk performing arts. One such activity which takes place here is Shilpdarshan, it is an everlasting activity at Shilpgram in which skilled craftsmen and artists are there to demonstrate and exhibit their crafts, and sell their craft work in order to have direct contact to the buyers. This programme has encouraged the rural craftsmen and performers in a big way. The Shilpgram has become a significant landmark in India and Government of India has decided to replicate them in all the Federal States of India.
