thiruvananthapuram aranmula mirror balaramapuram handloom and nettoor boxes now come under the same roof at vellar arts and crafts village as the first phase of the project has been completed the project aims to revitalize the handicrafts of the state and to ensure a decent livelihood for the artisans the crafts village has launched programmes to introduce heritage products of kerala in the global market in the first phase the village features about 50 crafts prepared in 28 studios each studio gives the customer an option to see the making of the handicraft first hand and buy them it has paintings pottery cane products jewellery home decor home and office equipment clothing statues curios souvenirs exhibits and tools made of wood palm and palm fronds bamboo reeds coir and cloth handicrafts like pattachitra clothbased scroll paintings from bengal and odisha murals of kerala colourful paper quilting of ancient egypt centuriesold nettoor boxes glassstone ornaments etc can be seen in the studios the studio also showcases the finest handicrafts inside and outside the country including curios dry flowers handicrafts made from paper to metals ivory creations pooram crafts and hammocks the woodwork category includes teak rosewood and whitewood with products ranging from home appliances to toys aranmula kannadi peruvampu musical instruments balaramapuram handloom muttathara wood carvings and thazhava textile products are also exhibited here the crafts village employs about 750 artisans including padmashree gopi master and shilpaguru award winner k s r mohanan apart from other artisans who are national and state award winners there are also plans to organize a worldclass art and craft biennale and workshops every year based on a specific theme including painting terracotta handlooms sculptures and bamboo and reed products the paintings of the selected artists will be exhibited at the craft village art gallery the emporium village will be home to an innovative market for worldclass crafts and paintings from other states too the spice garden herb garden vegetable garden and evolution garden will be an added attraction performances of traditional art and dance forms of kerala like theyyam kathakali kolkali thiruvathira margamkali pavakoothu and kalaripayat will be held to introduce the heritage and culture of the state to visitors from other countries initially the performances will be held on saturdays sundays and public holidays the game zone includes adventure sports such as archery shooting and rock climbing future plans include collaborating with leading interior designers fashion designers and architects to make this as a marketing venue