• By Divanshi Sharma
  • Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:55 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) recognised 40 talented artists from 20 regions in India through its 'Art for Hope' initiative. This program celebrated and supported India's diverse traditional art, crafts and culture by showcasing the talents of artists from across the country. The third edition of Art for Hope was held at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi from March 28 to March 31, 2024. During this four-day event, there were exhibitions and workshops where emerging artists, youth, women, communities, and local talent displayed their work, all with the support of grants from HMIF.

At the opening ceremony of Art for Hope - Season 3, Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), along with renowned Kathak artists Ms. Kamalini and Ms. Nalini Asthana, who are also Padma Shri awardees, and Mr. Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., were present. The event aims to make art more accessible to everyone and provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents. Following Hyundai's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity,' Art for Hope promotes various forms of art, including visual, digital, performing, folk, and community art.

Speaking at the inaugural event of Art for Hope - Season 3, Mr. Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, "Hyundai Motor India Foundation, under Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, has been working in varied sectors to create opportunities and livelihood for the underserved. With deep respect for art and artists, we connected with various communities and added art collectives to our repertoire in the first two editions of Art for Hope. This year, we fortify our efforts and enhance our reach by including specially-abled artists, in our endeavour to enrich more lives. Keeping our eyes open for things anew, we appreciate inclusion and the myriad perspectives it brings forth. Artists present a glimpse of our world, things beyond we could see with our eyes, and it is this unique perspective and world-view that we truly admire at Hyundai.”

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Launched in 2021, Art for Hope has reached every state in India and benefited over 100 artists. In the last three years, HMIF has consistently been dedicated to promoting art and culture, awarding 100 grants adding up to Rs. 1.05 crore, and an overall investment surpassing Rs. 5 crore. The initiatives have benefited over 11,000 artists and artisans across the country. Through a meticulous evaluation process by a celebrated jury panel, 40 artists were shortlisted from 470 applications in Art for Hope - Season 3, based on criteria like project concept and impact, artist portfolio, and their respective backgrounds.

Through this initiative, participants not only receive social, emotional and financial support, they also get a platform for recognition that acts as a springboard for further opportunities and market linkage for a brighter future. The exhibition displayed artworks ranging from traditional arts and crafts, paintings, art installations, photographs and performing arts, created and curated with the grant support by 30 artists. Works of 10 specially-abled artists from the ‘Ability for Dignity’ program of HMIF were also showcased.

The 4-day extravaganza kept a keen eye on inclusivity by use of braille, tactile artworks and sign language interpretations for differently-abled visitors. In addition to the grant exhibits, an array of workshops and talks were organised for the youth like calligraphy, mask making, mobile photography, traditional painting, etc. Panel discussions on cultural sustainability in a globalised world; need for inclusive arts and art as catalyst for social change, were also held by eminent speakers from the cultural and social sector.