Sumantra Sardar , West Bengal
Project: Toxic Fashion – a journalistic intervention into the ecological transformation from an accustomed practice of the people of Nahazari – Mahisgot area
B.F.A. in Painting from Kala-Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan,
M.F.A. in Painting from S.N. School of Arts & Communication, University of Hyderabad
About Neekoee Artist’s Grant
As a result of the pandemic, art practice faces new challenges today. To counter the uncertainty, fear, and isolation, the Foundation extends its commitment towards the cause of supporting artists and their work. We are delighted to announce two motivational grants for young artists in the field of visual and performing arts. The intention is to galvanize artistic action and help sustain art practice through these difficult times.
The Greek root of the word “crisis” describes a turning point (in a disease, in a society). The two art grants are a step in the direction of thinking about the many ways in which change could take us. Can we imagine alternative communities, collaborations, and solidarities emerging out of our current predicament? Can we point towards new systems for disseminating works of art? Can we produce artistic approaches which adapt to the new reality, or help to shape it? Can we resume art practice under these extraordinary pressures, and if yes, how? These art grants are an opportunity to find our way.
Proposals for new projects were invited from artists working in the medium of painting, sculpture, theatre, video, photography, sound, performance, software/code, dance, public sites, internet, or any other. Proposals could take the form of social practice, collaborative performance, interactive art, artist-led production, or creative processes. Proposals were to be anchored in strong research, or may explore cross-disciplinary practices. The two grants were open to established and emerging definitions of art practice.
A jury of eminent people selected the awardees.
The final grantees were mentored by
Sharmila Samant
Visual Artist | Faculty, Dept.
Art, Design and Performance
Shiv Nadar University
Amitesh Grover
Performance-based Artist & Curator Faculty, National School of Drama
The Foundation strongly believes that art has several intrinsic benefits that enrich our emotions, stimulate our minds as well as entertain us. Individuals and communities cherish arts and culture for these benefits. However, art also has an impact on social cohesion, education, local economies, health and wellbeing. By bringing thought provoking productions, delivering top quality workshops, supporting local artists and providing a platform to community members and students to engage with artists of international repute they aim to widen the reach of art and culture across social, economic and cultural divides in the city. The explicit charter of the Foundation is to bring these benefits to Ahmedabad for improvement of the individual and the society by bridging communities and cultures of the region, country and the world.
