The Kuru Development Trust (KDT) is a self-help organization established by the San peoples of the Kalahari Desert. The Kuru Art Project is an initiative envisaged by the KDT in 1990 to generate income for members of the community of D’kar village in Ghanzi District. The village of D’kar is located 40 km from Gantsi Township and is home to mostly San people within the district. The Artisans in the project are mainly of Naro and Dcui San descent and have lived in D’kar and peripheral settlements since antiquity.
The objective of the Kuru Art project is to preserve, promote and build on what is left of San culture, through artefacts which are sold to generate income. The Kuru Art project aims to create sustainable income where each artist is given the opportunity, means and freedom to express their unique culture using contemporary materials and techniques. The art project does not teach art but rather equips artists with modern methods and materials for their art. Since the inception of the Kuru Art Project, a total of thirty-two (32) artists have been assisted and their works have brought intentional acclaim and have been exhibited in more than 15 countries over the years. Most of the sales are from walk-in customers who include the workshop visit as a stop or break in their journey.