The Spandan International Art and Craft Festival,
being held from December 2015 to January 2016, is witnessing artists from across India and abroad. Over 200 artists are exhibiting pieces of art, presenting a breathtaking melange of creativity, perspectives and styles in the form of paintings, photographs and sculptures. Adding more colour to the event are different activities like workshops, camps and special awards to Goan talents.
Curator and organiser Anant Vikas has organised this festival in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. The reason for bringing this festival to Goa was to promote artists from here. “As per my observation, people don’t attend exhibitions unless and until they find something different. This has an effect on their business. Keeping in mind about the response, we have tried to incorporate some more elements by awarding individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to art, craft, culture, education, health, sports, environment and other social causes,”said Anant.
The institution of the Spandan recognises inspiring talent in various segments of art, as well as a lifetime achievement award for someone who has changed society through a lifetime of efforts for a worthy cause. The eleventh Spandan Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Gajanan Raikar, freedom fighter and writer from Margao, Goa. Also, five Spandan Social Awards will be presented to Datta Navelkar (Art), Dr Ajay Vaidya (Theatre), Rajendra Pandurang Kerkar (Environment), Aamar P Sawanth (Films) and Gomantak Lok Seva Trust (NGO), (Social Welfare) on the occasion of Spandan Award Ceremony/ Art Celebration at Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panjim.
“I always encourage special children to showcase their talent. In this festival, we had organised a drawing competition for them too,” added Anant.
At the ongoing event, many senior artists have shown their interest and participated.“I remember, last year we had received a good compliment from Manohar Parrikar. He had said that it is a unique festival and artists should try to make the best of it,” he shared.
He further explained that it was his experience with event management that inspired him to start a venture that would promote artists: “When I used to organise events, I learnt that artists needed to be promoted so that their work was rewarded. Currently I have business in Gujarat, but the festival takes me around the country. Besides, i also hosts commercial and industrial exhibitions.”
The exhibition of paintings will be on from January 20 till January 24 at ESG gallery. “From January 25, we have a shopping festival to promote artisans who make crafts and household items. The festival will be held near Hotel Green Park, Mapusa,” he concluded.
