‘Find a creative platform to express yourself’ – Nicole Mody, coordinator, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
In our second photo essay on Mumbai’s favourite Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, we feature more creative works on the theme of sustainability and interview the festival coordinator, Nicole Mody.
PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In this edition, we feature more artistic works and curator insights from the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2018.
In the earlier 170 posts, we brought you a wide range of creative photographs from an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, street art festival, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
Held in South Mumbai from February 3-11, the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) features a wide range of installations, ethnic art, cinema, heritage walks, and cultural performances. See Part I of my photo essay, as well as coverage of the 2017 edition.
The festival this year had 14 sections managed by 22 curators and 115 volunteers, said KGAF 2018 festival coordinator Nicole Mody, whose creative interests span everything from salsa dance to culinary art. Though the festival had glitches this year with permits for some outdoor venues, the event drew huge crowds nonetheless.
Interesting collaborations this year were by IIT-Bombay and the National Gallery of Modern Art, with installations featuring a mix of nature and digital art. Performing artistes included Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (and his sons Amaan and Ayaan), Ravi Chary, Louiz Banks, Indus Creed, and Mallika Mehta.
“The public art at KGAF spreads messages of civic sense, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility,” said Nicole in a chat with YourStory. The timing is particularly relevant given reckless urbanisation and deforestation in India; Mumbai itself experienced unusual haziness during the week of the festival.
“There is a growing cultural movement and arts community in India today, that can support established and aspiring artists both offline and online,” says Nicole. The festival has also drawn international artists, with participating countries ranging from Argentina to Italy.
She has been involved in other events such as a yoga festival in Goa and India Bike Week, and there are many other festivals to attract a diverse spectrum of artists. “Find a creative platform to express yourself,” Nicole signs off, urging artists of all ages to come forward and participate in next year's festival.
Now what have you done today to support your local art community and express your creative side?
Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!
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