Kerala has a rich cultural heritage of folk arts and craftsmen. In order to improve the living condition of these artists and craftsman, a project in collaboration with organizations like UNESCO will be implemented to create rural art hubs to help the folk artists and craftsmen to enhance their skill, reach out to the global market to strengthen their livelihood. Capacity building and direct market linkage would be given priority. Exchange collaboration opportunities with other States and countries will help to create new avenues. The execution of the scheme is underway. It aims at setting up of clusters, skill development, empowerment of the beneficiaries, establishment of national and overseas market access, conduct fairs etc. the heritage villages identified under the scheme are the following