In today’s world, much of our cultural interaction happens over the exchange of cultural goods and services such as films, books, music, media service, etc. This is especially true in light of the pandemic that is affecting all of us. The culture and content industry needs urgent attention in Goa for its profound emotional and intellectual impact on our society.

 

It is therefore important that the sector is guided not only from a commercial perspective but also for cultural diversity and the right of individuals to express and/or enjoy cultural expressions of their choice.

 

A decade ago, the quiet environment and a cross-cultural amalgamation of creative identities that came to blend with the fabric of this state and become a part of the village landscape attracted many artists and creators to Goa. Goa is home to so many prominent figures from the creative world. Whether it is world-renowned authors like Amitav Ghosh or singers like Lorna and local homegrown artists like Laxman Pai and Mohan Naik, Goa has always been a source of inspiration to so many.

 

The great Mario Miranda’s work has, posthumously, found expression in many different products and the Mario Galleries have become a popular shopping destination for domestic and international tourists alike. The late Wendell Rodricks left an indelible mark in the fashion industry. The growth in tourism also brought many internationally known artists to Goa’s shores.

 

Large scale cultural and religious events will need to be analysed urgently. In the last few years, the early experiences of the Anjuna hilltop party gave way to events like Sunburn and Supersonic with dozens of smaller events. In recent years, the Serendipity Arts Festival has been organized in Panjim. And then of course, there is IFFI. All these need to be looked at with a completely different lens now.

 

Whether it was the floats at the Carnival or at Shigmo, the Ganesh decorations at home or the cribs designed and displayed at Christmas or all the various musicians and artists engaged in varied creative expressions. The resources were limited but its use had great splendor.

 

Goa has great a craft tradition but this hasn’t quite been showcased by those promoting the state. Kunbi weaving and handmade tiles have gained a certain prominence around the world. But in every aspect of the simple life here there is scope for creativity.

 

Artists and designers coming together with the local community can make way for a truly experiential engagement. The simplicity of thought, action, and adaption can lead to some beautiful experiences being designed – small, creative businesses and experiences is a humongous possibility in Goa.

 

Not only can we bring a definitive design-led thought process to the textile, pottery, and basketry which is a skill-based sector, but we could also turn the sustainable everyday living and growing practices into a theme and idea for people to engage with. Small businesses centered around food, markets, art shows, simple musical expressions, dances can lead to meaningful and cultural experiences.

 

It is time to redesign and rethink Goa and how we want to be perceived by the many people coming to us from all over the world. There is tremendous value to ‘handmade, homemade, local and small scale’ and we need to cultivate these thoughts into experiential sustainable remedies to build a new more creative and more sustainable future for Goa.

 

Top Ideas So Far

 

1.

     ESG ACCESSIBILITY TO FILMMAKERS                  

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has a full time work force to develop a film culture in Goa. ESG is mainly active only during IFFI. ESG should instead recognize & support film makers in Goa who want to send their film to festivals  by organising workshops & competitions. They also need to reevaluate fee structures by making it easier for independent filmmakers to shoot. The policy currently seems to unfairly favour large Bollywood-style - (Shahnawaz Nellikunnil)

 

2.

      CRAFT AND LIVILIHOODS                                      

Craft has brought livelihoods for generations to artisans, but has also faced many problems in the recent past, with new generations wishing for office jobs. Bridging gaps between modern and traditional, rural and urban helps in finding new markets for the products. Goa fortunately needs lesser effort than most other places when it comes to bridging the two worlds. When the sector starts looking promising, younger people will also consider it as a valid way of earning a living. Trained designers with experience of working with natural materials and rural communities should be encouraged to work more and more to make this a sustainable effort- Garima Roy

 

 

3.

      DIGITAL TIATR STUDIO                                         

To save this beautiful traditional form of theatre from complete annihilation, perhaps there is a way for government or private enterprise to set up a permanent Tiatr Studio where tiatrists can come and record shows. These shows can then be streamed live into people’s homes via TV or the internet. The studio itself can be profitable from renting out space to tiatr troupes and performers. The performances can also be digitally enhanced with props and post-production services making it more enjoyable and on par with other entertainment options available to the public. Perhaps even with English and other language subtitles so these performances can reach a wider audience- (Rajesh Jog)