The Indian Institute of Craft & Design (IICD), located in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, stands as a premier institution dedicated to the preservation and innovation of traditional Indian crafts through modern design education. Established in 1997 by the Government of Rajasthan, IICD plays a pivotal role in higher education by blending artisanal heritage with contemporary design principles. Situated in the heart of India's craft capital, the institute fosters an environment where creativity meets cultural legacy, making it an attractive destination for jobs in craft and design fields.
IICD's mission is to empower craftsmen and designers by offering specialized programs that address the needs of the craft sector. With its focus on sustainable practices and market-oriented design, the institute has become a hub for professionals passionate about India's rich textile, pottery, and jewelry traditions. Careers here offer the chance to contribute to projects that revitalize Rajasthan's artisanal economy while engaging with students and industry partners.
Founded under the Rajasthan State Bamboo & Timber Workers Cooperative Union's initiative and supported by the state government, IICD began as a response to the declining craft industry in the 1990s. Over the years, it has evolved into a leading design institute, expanding its campus and programs to include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Key milestones include the launch of its Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Craft Design & Management in 2006 and collaborations with national bodies like the National Institute of Design (NID).
The institute's growth reflects Rajasthan's commitment to cultural preservation amid globalization. Today, IICD employs experts who teach, research, and consult on craft development, attracting talent seeking meaningful work in higher education that directly impacts local communities and global design trends.
IICD offers programs like B.Des and M.Des in areas such as Craft Management, Soft Goods Design (textiles and apparel), and Hard Goods Design (metal, wood, ceramics). These courses emphasize hands-on learning with master artisans, field visits to craft clusters in Jaipur and surrounding villages, and industry internships.
Jobs at IICD, particularly faculty positions, involve delivering these curricula, mentoring students on design projects, and leading workshops. Lecturers and professors guide students in exploring traditional techniques like block printing, bandhani, and blue pottery, integrating them with digital tools and sustainable business models. Administrative roles support program delivery, while research positions focus on documentation and innovation in crafts.
Careers at IICD span teaching, research, administration, and technical support. Faculty jobs are central, with openings for design instructors specializing in crafts. For a broader view of university job types, including lecturer and professor roles, explore available listings.
Administrative positions include academic coordinators, placement officers, and HR staff managing artisan collaborations. Technical roles involve lab supervisors for weaving looms and pottery kilns. Recent openings have included positions like Design Faculty, Craft Research Associates, and Program Managers, often requiring expertise in Rajasthan's crafts like Sanganeri prints or Kota Doria weaving.
These jobs appeal to those passionate about higher ed jobs in creative fields, offering opportunities to shape the next generation of designers while contributing to cultural sustainability.
To understand jobs at IICD, key terms include:
Jobs at the Indian Institute of Craft & Design demand specific qualifications tailored to its unique niche. Academic roles typically require a Master's degree in Design, Fine Arts, or Crafts (PhD preferred for senior faculty). Research focus centers on sustainable craft revival, ethnographic studies of Rajasthan's artisans, and design entrepreneurship.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching design courses, publications in craft journals, or grants from the Handicrafts Board. Skills encompass Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping tools, and knowledge of Indian Standards for crafts. Competencies like cultural empathy, project leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential, as roles often involve working with rural artisans and urban industries.
The application process for jobs at IICD starts with monitoring the official website (iicd.ac.in) and government portals for Rajasthan higher education vacancies. Submit a detailed CV, cover letter explaining your craft passion, academic transcripts, and a digital portfolio showcasing design work with traditional elements.
Tips for success:
Selection involves shortlisting, interviews, and demo lectures. Persistence pays off in this competitive field.
IICD champions diversity through targeted scholarships for women and SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) students from artisan backgrounds, comprising 30% of intake. Initiatives include the 'Craft Women Empowerment Program' partnering with self-help groups and inclusive hiring quotas per Rajasthan government policies. The institute hosts artisan residencies for tribal craftspeople from Mewar and Marwar regions, ensuring underrepresented voices in curriculum and faculty recruitment.
Campus life at IICD in Jaipur blends professional growth with cultural immersion. The 10-acre facility features design studios, craft workshops, and dorms amid Aravalli hills views. Work-life balance is supported by 5-day weeks, creative flexible hours, and wellness programs like yoga sessions drawing from Rajasthani traditions.
Employees enjoy annual craft fairs, field trips to Jaipur's bazaars, and proximity to Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort for leisure. Family-friendly policies and subsidized housing in Jaipur foster retention, with many staff appreciating the inspiring environment that fuels innovation without burnout.
Jobs at the Indian Institute of Craft & Design offer a unique blend of cultural preservation and design innovation in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty teaching, or research, IICD provides rewarding careers. Leverage higher ed career advice resources, browse university jobs, and consider posting a job if recruiting. For craft enthusiasts, this is where tradition meets tomorrow.
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