As per the scheme of Govt. of India, each Zonal Cultural Center was/is required to set up a Shilpgram anywhere in its jurisdiction. Willing State Govt. was required to transfer land for this purpose to Govt. of India free of cost for establishment of Shiplgram by zonal cultural center. This multipurpose project aimed at identification, preservation and propagation of traditional arts and crafts of the Region. This project is also required to generate financial support to artisans and craftsmen.

A piece of 14.18 acres land was allotted to North Zone Cultural Center by Chandigarh Administration to set up a artisan Village-Kalagram on Chandigarh-Kalka highway, opposite Durga Nursery, Manimajra, Chandigarh. The construction of the project was allotted to Chandigarh Housing Board during April-98. After several meetings with U.T. Administration, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh Housing Board, Project Architect of Delhi, innumerable issues were sorted out. After pre-qualifications of the contractor work has been allotted for construction of Phase-I, comprising of the Administrative Block, Open-Air-Theatre, Dormitories, Public Toilets, Generator Room, Ticketing booth etc. The construction of Phase-I of the project has commenced at site during March-99.

EDUCATIONAL

The principal aim of the project is to educate the people about the value of their rich cultural heritage as embodied in the arts and crafts and other folk tradition of the region. A variety of educational programmes for the benefit of general public and school children would be drawn up with focus on creativity workshops in the arts and crafts of the region.

PRESERVATIONAL

To create an environment for the preservation of the traditional crafts which are fast dying due to the onslaught of industrial products. In the pursuit of this aim, it would further be necessary to establish a direct contact between the craftsmen and the buyer by removing the middleman.

RECREATIONAL

In order that the Kalagram attracts large number of people, it would be necessaryto provide different forms of recreation bearing, however, in mind that it should not become so heavy as to stifle the delicate aim of artistic preservation.

COMMERCIAL

By virtue of the provision of restaurants and recreational facilities, the Kalagram is expected to become a major attraction for tourists and visitors. The project may thus eventually acquire the status of a financially self-supporting centre. An attempt should be made to make the complex economically self-sufficient over the years by means of craft-marketing and gate-collections.

EXTENDING THE TRADITION