The eagerly awaited Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) 2023 is set to captivate audiences with its sixth physical edition, boasting a stellar lineup of 150-plus projects, expert lectures, and public art interventions. Taking place in the picturesque capital city of Goa, Panjim, from December 15 to December 23, SAF 2023 promises an immersive and diverse experience across 12 venues.
Organizers and Partners
Supported by the Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Entertainment Society of Goa and Corporation of The City of Panaji, SAF 2023 has garnered additional support from various departments and organizations, including the Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa Tourism Department, Goa Forest Department, and Smart City Panjim.
Venue Highlights
The festival will unfold across 12 culturally rich venues in Panaji, featuring a wide range of events in disciplines such as Dance, Visual Arts, Music, Culinary Arts, Theatre, and Craft.
Inclusivity at the Core
With the theme #ComeTogetherAtSAF, the festival emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility. Special arrangements, including ramps, tactile braille artworks, sign language experts, and wheelchair accessibility, ensure that SAF is accessible to all. The ‘Senses 6.0’ program, India’s first-ever accessible and inclusive initiative, caters specifically to individuals with special needs.
Artistic Projects and Grants
SAF 2023 showcases over 300 artists presenting 150-plus projects, including special initiatives and Serendipity Arts Foundation projects. Notable among them are four unique public art projects funded by the Foundation, enabling Goa-based artists to infuse art into Panaji’s urban landscape.
Curatorial Excellence
Ten expert curators across six disciplines curate a diverse range of programs and exhibits. Renowned names such as Bickram Ghosh, Ricky Kej, Mayuri Upadhya, and Chef Thomas Zacharias bring their expertise to the Music, Dance, and Culinary Arts categories.
Cultural Highlights
The festival features a dynamic array of events, from classical performances by Ustad Zakir Hussain to the burgeoning rap scene with ‘Rasa and Rap.’ Culinary enthusiasts can savor Goan delights and experience the artisanal feni-making process. The Theatre category introduces the thought-provoking ‘Climate Change and Other Small Talk’ theatrical podcast.
Focus on Goa
SAF 2023 turns the spotlight on Goa, showcasing its rich cuisine and culture. Local home cooks collaborate with the culinary incubator FIERCE Kitchens, providing Goans with a broader platform to showcase their skills.
Director’s Insight
Smriti Rajgarhia, the Director of Serendipity Arts Foundation, shares her excitement about the upcoming Serendipity Arts Festival 2023, set to unfold in Panjim from December 15. As the festival gears up to welcome visitors, Smriti highlights the collaborative spirit and diverse cultural offerings that make this edition a standout event.
Reflecting on the past, Smriti reminisces about walking through the streets of Panjim during the previous edition. The city transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with artists from diverse backgrounds converging to celebrate the arts. Panjim, she notes, became a culture city, fostering joy among the team witnessing such a dynamic collaboration.
Smriti identifies the most striking feature of this year’s festival—the impressive gathering of artists in Panjim. With a vast array of programs, it’s challenging for her to pick favourites, but she mentions noteworthy highlights. Shilpa Rao’s closing performance, Zakir Hussain’s opening act, and the captivating show “Goa Familia” at the excise building stand out as key attractions.
A pioneering initiative, “Text Matters,” takes centre stage at SAF 2023. Smriti underscores the importance of reviving cultural publications, shedding light on the dying art form. This endeavour aims to demonstrate how cultural publications can be rejuvenated and integrated into the festival’s fabric.
Chef Thomas Zakarias leads an innovative food curation, exploring the theme of doing good through food. Smriti describes the diverse offerings, including workshops, talks, and interactive games for all ages. This culinary exploration transcends taste, delving into food as a source of memory and life, moving beyond mere sustenance.
Highlighting the rich multiculturalism of Goa, Smriti emphasizes the misconception of associating specific dishes with the region. In collaboration with the Goa Livelihood Forum (GLF), SAF 2023 aims to showcase the diverse cuisines of Goa. A must-try experience awaits at the new promenade, where individuals from different talukas will showcase their culinary expertise in a diverse lunch plan.
As SAF 2023 approaches, Smriti Rajgarhia’s insights promise a cultural journey filled with artistic collaborations, unique experiences, and a celebration of Goa’s rich culinary heritage. The festival is poised to offer much more than an artistic spectacle; it’s a platform for cultural revival and community engagement. Visitors are encouraged not to miss the exciting programs, publications, and culinary delights awaiting them in Panjim.
