Tomorrow we are kicking off the second edition of Chitpur Local with a workshop facilitated by Christine Ithurbide of UNESCO, that brings together artists, curators and academics to design a framework for measuring the impact of the arts.
It will also be the first opportunity for all the artists who have joined us for this edition to explore how far they can push their projects in terms of community engagement.
Here goes...
Our biggest moment of validation, came three years into the project, when we went to share the profits (meagre yet comforting) of the products we had designed with Diamond Library, and the two brothers asked us to keep the money so we could continue future projects in the neighbourhood.
But this still did not help us answer the question we asked ourselves each time we are stuck on the road on our commute to Chitpur, or even enjoying the thrill of people engaging with our projects on the street. Why are we doing this? Is there a point? Do you think we are making any impact?
These questions have found answers in small ways.
It will also be the first opportunity for all the artists who have joined us for this edition to explore how far they can push their projects in terms of community engagement.
Here goes...
Our biggest moment of validation, came three years into the project, when we went to share the profits (meagre yet comforting) of the products we had designed with Diamond Library, and the two brothers asked us to keep the money so we could continue future projects in the neighbourhood.
But this still did not help us answer the question we asked ourselves each time we are stuck on the road on our commute to Chitpur, or even enjoying the thrill of people engaging with our projects on the street. Why are we doing this? Is there a point? Do you think we are making any impact?
These questions have found answers in small ways.
The time when the students who were routinely chastised for their misdemeanour were praised for their leadership and contribution to the locality.
The time when someone discovered the value of their personal history and family profession.
The time when people from different backgrounds discussed something on display or played a game together.
The time when students planned and led their own projects on issues like road safety, local heritage and garbage collection.
The time when we were given credit for catalysing the creation of the school archive even though we did not work on it directly.
These instances, answered the question of impact in tinny, feeble voices, far from the resounding boom I was expecting at the end of three years of working in the locality.
I was hoping that by the end of three years, there would be an active neighbourhood group who would start their own pop up museum, or even do an annual photo exhibition. But there was no such group- don't get me wrong, there are many many people who will continue to participate, continue to join us each time we plan a new program, but the tools, methodologies and expertise are very much still in our hands.
This time around as we start the dialogue anew, envision new projects, what will be the answer we are hoping for. Does everyone even want to ask the dreaded “impact” question!!!
More information on the workshop below:
I was hoping that by the end of three years, there would be an active neighbourhood group who would start their own pop up museum, or even do an annual photo exhibition. But there was no such group- don't get me wrong, there are many many people who will continue to participate, continue to join us each time we plan a new program, but the tools, methodologies and expertise are very much still in our hands.
This time around as we start the dialogue anew, envision new projects, what will be the answer we are hoping for. Does everyone even want to ask the dreaded “impact” question!!!
More information on the workshop below:
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