Itanagar, Mar 15: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday announced that a Creative Economy Cell will be established in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to support and promote the works of artists and artisans of Arunachal Pradesh on national and international platforms.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the eight-day Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 – The Artisans’ Movement at Interior Park in Naharlagun, organised by the Department of Textile & Handicrafts, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the proposed cell would provide institutional support to weavers, designers and artisans, helping them connect with wider markets and gain greater recognition for their creative work. The initiative, he said, would strengthen the state’s creative economy and open new opportunities for traditional artisans and young creative professionals.
Highlighting the importance of the textile sector in the state, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh currently produces nearly 69 metric tonnes of Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk annually, generating employment for more than 34,000 people across nearly 500 sericulture villages.
To further strengthen the sector, the state government has proposed five innovative sericulture initiatives with an outlay of Rs 25 crore, including the Young Silk Weaver Skill Development Initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of artisans.
Khandu noted that platforms like Arunachal Fashion Week help bring wider recognition to the state’s indigenous handloom and handicrafts and congratulated the designers, weavers, artisans and models for their dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
He also noted stated that women continue to play a central role in the state’s textile sector. Under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission, more than 1.5 lakh women have been organised into nearly 16,000 self-help groups, many of whom are engaged in weaving and handicraft-based enterprises.
The event, inaugurated by CM Khandu, marks five years of the Artisans’ Movement – an initiative aimed at linking traditional weavers, designers and young creative professionals while promoting a structured ecosystem for indigenous fashion and textile enterprises. Also present on the occasion were Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Textile & Handicrafts Commissioner Nyali Ete, Director Dorjee Phuntso, and designers, artisans and members of the creative industry.
The programme began with the unveiling of a specially curated Textile & Tribal Fusion Concept Installation showcasing the rich diversity of Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional weaving alongside contemporary design interpretations.
The inaugural runway featured collections that blended traditional textiles with modern fashion. Designers including Mibi Bagra, Mobang Darang, Zenith Khonjuju, Ralte Ellie Perme Miwu, Wangmu Bapu Jyoti Dada and Nang Angie Namchoom presented their creations, along with a weaver presentation by Jiyi Ete. The evening also featured a handloom brand showcase by Pamcose by Risha Tok and a special fashion sequence by ATURTO-ORI.
Commissioner Nyali Ete said the Fashion Week aims to build a more organised market ecosystem for indigenous textile products while promoting innovation and competitiveness among local artisans and designers.
Chief Operating Officer of Arunachal Fashion Week Meena Noshi said the initiative grew from years of engagement with weavers and artisans across the Northeast, while founder and CEO of Northeast India Fashion Week – The Artisans’ Movement Yana Ngoba Chakpu noted that the platform has evolved since 2015 into a collaborative ecosystem connecting artisans, designers and young creative professionals.
The inaugural evening concluded with a Tribal Dinner and Youth Connect session, where the Chief Minister interacted with designers, models and creative teams.
The opening day saw participation from over 23 designers and more than 50 models, along with weavers and designers from across the region.
A multi-floor Design & Lifestyle Exhibition has also been opened at Interior Park featuring handloom collections, designer wear, jewellery, fashion accessories, home décor installations, artisan crafts and lifestyle products.
The celebrations will continue with runway shows, exhibitions and public engagement programmes throughout the week, culminating on March 21 with Cultural Heritage Day and the Arunachal Fashion Week Awards Night, marking five years of the Artisans’ Movement.