It is with the firm belief that exchange and collaborative programmes across countries provide platforms for growth, vital exposure to artist communities and cultures that Arth Art International, India and Angono Ateliers Association, Philippines, have organised an art exchange programme. This is perhaps the first time that an art exchange programme has been set in motion between the two countries: India and Philippines. Art Diversity – 2024 is the second part of a special event where artists from India and the Philippines come together to share their culture through art. It’s happening in New Delhi, India, from April 19 to April 26, 2024.
The main highlight of the event is the International Art Exhibition, running from April 20 to April 26, 2024. It will take place at The Stainless Gallery, New Friends Colony, New Delhi.
This event is organized by Arth Art International, led by CEO Sushil Shriwastwa. Artists from the Philippines and India will showcase their work at the exhibition.
Some of the participating artists from the Philippines include Aaron Bautista, Aries Hernandez, Arnaldo “Atoy” Apostadero, Bernardo Balagtas, Claro Agusto Santiago Jr., Don Nemesio Miranda III, Katrina Tuazon, Maria Cecilia Artillaga, Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda Jr., Rodolfo E. Alcantara Jr., and Rosalie Vitor Gonzales.
From India, artists like Anoop Kamath, Ashish Arora, Jasmine Kaur, Krishnendo Porel, Meenakshi Jha, Nitasha Jaini, Dr. Ramesh Kandagiri, Ritu Kamath, and Shuvendu Sarkar will be participating.
The exhibition is curated by Jyoti A Kathpalia, who will ensure that the artworks on display represent the rich diversity of artistic expression from both countries.Many renowned and eminent personalities and dignitaries from art and culture will grace the occasion and the various events.
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Josel Francisco IGNACIO, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines in India who will grace the occasion as Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour is Shatrughna Sinha Joint Secretary (AMS-II), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
In the inaugural chapter of the exchange, Indian delegates went to Philippines where Manila unfurled its vibrant tapestry in February 2023, at the World Trade Centre where the exhibition took place.
The guiding principle behind Art Diversity 2024 is to provide a platform for the vibrant expression and interaction of diverse cultures and to ignite profound cultural exchanges through the medium of art. The exchange programme will consist of tours to important cultural and historic sites, art and craft museums of India and cultural programmes. The programme will also have art talks for a stimulating exchange of ideas between the artists, and an art camp for two days where the Indian and Philippine artists will create artworks which will be exhibited.
Sushil Shriwastwa, CEO Arth Art International and the project director said, “It is indeed a matter of great privilege to be undertaking this project. I believe that many more such exchange programmes should be organised as they enable the artists and the countries to foster ties of friendship and bring to light the aspects of care, tolerance and humanity that we all share.”
Curator Jyoti A Kathpalia noted, “In this programme there is an astonishing array of diverse styles, mediums and genres and incredible artistic talent that will be on display. The art camp and art talk that is being planned with the Indian and Philippine’s artists will further the mutual interaction and exchange of ideas and techniques. There is also a cultural evening that is planned where we will showcase Indian folk and classical traditions.”
Apart from the above there are also thirty-eight upcoming and established Indian Artists whose artworks will be displayed. These are wide ranging from folk art to contemporary, figurative and abstract.