An award-winning artist is staging an exhibition in Sandwell featuring the age-old skills and crafts of India. Ranbir Kaur's "Shimmering Colours of India: Stitches from the States of India" is running at Haden Hill House in Cradley Heath until 8 May 2006 and gives a contemporary edge to traditional Indian decorations and patterns.

One of Ranbir's aims is to promote participation in Asian crafts to encourage greater cultural understanding. She said of her latest exhibition: "I feel it encourages the sharing of cultures and experiences between the different communities of Sandwell." Ranbir was recently awarded the Hind Rattan, or 'Jewel of India' - India's supreme decoration and honour - for her achievements and contribution to Indian culture in the UK.

Ranbir was honoured alongside 100 people from all over the world. Ranbir Kaur Said: “Receiving the Hind Rattan is a great pleasure, I never imagined that my work would be recognised by the Indian Government. It is hugely touching to be recognised for the skills I have been imparting for the last 16 years in the UK. I am very proud.”

Ranbir Kaur, as Kiran Arts and Crafts has been developing the crafts activities of Asian women from different countries for the last twelve years. Kiran Arts and Crafts has produced work and publicity to promote culture and participation in Asian crafts between Asian and non-Asian people, in order to encourage greater cultural understanding. Ranbir’s work aims to raise the profile of traditional textile skills, encourage self-respect and confidence amongst the Asian communities about their heritage and encourage the sharing of skills more widely.

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