Giving Creatively

Lina Vincent Sunish

Artist In Residence programs and other residency opportunities allow artists, academicians, curators, and various creative individuals, time and space away from their usual environment and obligations. They provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and production. Interaction with artists and people from multicultural backgrounds adds an interesting element to the output of the gathered artists.

The concept of artists getting together and making artwork to raise funds for a cause is an old one. However, it is not common that acclaimed artists from different nations are brought together, not only to contribute work but to experience a cultural residency in a place as beautiful as Goa. The INSPIRE TRUST, an NGO registered in Goa wanted to establish an art platform for cultural exchange of art and ideas to enhance the thought process between local, national and international artists. This art platform also serves to support and inspire underprivileged kids through art education, workshops and exhibitions. Thus the First International Artist Residency came about in April-May 2015. In the lush green surroundings of the Dudhsagar Resort, near the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem, Goa, fifteen artists spent two weeks responding to their
surroundings and creating work for the Trust. It was curated by Goan artist Yolanda de Sousa, who presented the artists with an open theme that allowed them to freely explore responses to their surroundings.