68 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2023</strong> www.magzoid.com
THE SIXTH (PHYSICAL) EDITION OF SERENDIPITY ARTS FESTIVAL WILL KICK OFF IN PANJIM, GOA ON DECEMBER 15 UAE The Serendipity Arts Festival <strong>2023</strong> is set to be a grand celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, spann<strong>in</strong>g across a diverse array of discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Perform<strong>in</strong>g, Visual, Cul<strong>in</strong>ary, and Performance Arts and Craft. This six-day festival, tak<strong>in</strong>g place from December 15th to 23rd <strong>in</strong> Panjim, Goa, promises to be an immersive experience, featur<strong>in</strong>g over 150 events and showcas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> works of more than 300 artists. With a mission to make art accessible to all, <strong>the</strong> festival focuses on foster<strong>in</strong>g engagement, participation, and local <strong>in</strong>teraction, particularly emphasiz<strong>in</strong>g support for artists and creative expressions from <strong>the</strong> South Asian region. The festival’s curatorial framework br<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r a talented and diverse group of <strong>in</strong>dividuals to curate different sections. Craft is curated by Sandeep Kumar Sangaru and Anjana Somany, while Quasar Thakore Padamsee helms <strong>the</strong> Theatre segment. The cul<strong>in</strong>ary arts section is led by Chef Thomas Zacharias and The Locavore Team, offer<strong>in</strong>g a gastronomical journey that celebrates <strong>the</strong> connection between people and cultures. Music, with a wide range of genres, is curated by Bickram Ghosh and Ricky Kej. Geeta Chandran and Mayuri Upadhya curate classical, experimental, and contemporary dance performances and workshops, while Veeranganakumari Solanki and Vidya Shivadas are <strong>the</strong> Visual Arts curators. Additionally, special curators, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Zub<strong>in</strong> Balaporia (Music), Elizabeth Yorke & Anusha Murthy (Cul<strong>in</strong>ary Arts), and Bhagyashree Patwardhan (Goan design practices), add unique dimensions to <strong>the</strong> festival’s offer<strong>in</strong>gs. The festival is dedicated to provid<strong>in</strong>g a platform for South Asian artists to amplify <strong>the</strong>ir voices, engage young m<strong>in</strong>ds, and co-create a vibrant artistic community. Inclusivity and susta<strong>in</strong>ability are core values, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>2023</strong> edition features <strong>in</strong>dependent and collaborative projects that highlight <strong>the</strong>se pr<strong>in</strong>ciples. The festival takes place across multiple venues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Old GMC Complex, <strong>the</strong> Art Park, Azad Maidan, and more, offer<strong>in</strong>g a diverse cultural experience to attendees. The programm<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> <strong>2023</strong> edition offers a wide array of events, emphasiz<strong>in</strong>g cross-poll<strong>in</strong>ation of ideas and <strong>in</strong>ter-discipl<strong>in</strong>arity. The open<strong>in</strong>g night features a captivat<strong>in</strong>g performance by tabla maestro Zakir Hussa<strong>in</strong> and his ensemble <strong>in</strong> “An Even<strong>in</strong>g Of Serendipity With Zakir Hussa<strong>in</strong> And Friends.” O<strong>the</strong>r highlights <strong>in</strong>clude “Manthan: A Confluence Of Kaavad Katha & Moh<strong>in</strong>iyattam,” which unites two ancient traditions, and “Shakti,” an abstract Indo-Japanese dance <strong>the</strong>ater performance explor<strong>in</strong>g fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>ity’s various dimensions. The cul<strong>in</strong>ary world offers unique experiences such as a workshop on <strong>the</strong> cultural significance of buttermilk and a v<strong>in</strong>egar tast<strong>in</strong>g experience that delves <strong>in</strong>to Goa’s historical connection with this fermented substance. The festival also addresses social and global issues with performances that explore <strong>the</strong>mes of war, displacement, and forced migrations. “Afghanistan is Not Funny” tells <strong>the</strong> true story of a British comedian and photographer’s experiences <strong>in</strong> war-torn Afghanistan, offer<strong>in</strong>g a poignant and thought-provok<strong>in</strong>g narrative. Conversations are an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of <strong>the</strong> festival’s programm<strong>in</strong>g. Talks on pr<strong>in</strong>t culture, writ<strong>in</strong>g, and illustrat<strong>in</strong>g for children provide <strong>in</strong>sights <strong>in</strong>to India’s pr<strong>in</strong>t publication history and <strong>the</strong> possibilities for artists and writers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> realm of children’s literature. The festival’s collaborative approach <strong>in</strong>cludes region-specific projects, workshops for people with special needs, and dedicated children’s programs. It collaborates with various cultural <strong>in</strong>stitutions and foreign embassies to create a rich tapestry of creative exchange. The Serendipity Arts Festival <strong>2023</strong> is a celebration of art, culture, and community, offer<strong>in</strong>g a platform for artists, curators, and <strong>the</strong> public to engage with traditional and contemporary arts <strong>in</strong> a dynamic and disruptive way. This year’s festival <strong>in</strong>vites everyone to come toge<strong>the</strong>r and celebrate <strong>the</strong> beauty and diversity of <strong>the</strong> arts. www.magzoid.com <strong>November</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 69