The ‘Art Inc.’ exhibition, is a collaborative event held at the Museum of Goa (MOG), organised in partnership with the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, EnAble India and International Purple Fest Goa. Forty-seven leading and aspiring Goa-based artists with disabilities are showcasing their artwork at ‘Art Inc.’ exhibition at the Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne curated by Samira Sheth, the exhibition features over 100 artworks by 45+ artists with diverse disabilities, to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the art space. With this initiative, Goa-based artists with disabilities have been given a public platform to showcase their artwork and financially empower themselves through art sales, at the ‘Art Inc.’ exhibition.
The exhibition facilitates the discovery of artists with disabilities and includes a series of workshops, interactive sessions and artist meetings, which will help engage with these artists and provide a better understanding of the local talent pool and their art-based skill sets.
The inaugural was held in the presence of Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare; Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Subhodh Kerkar, Founder and Artist-MOG, Sharada Kerker, CEO-MOG, Priti Lobo, Enable India, Samira Sheth, Curator, Art. Inc. Exhibition and Prakash Kamat, Senior Journalist.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare stated: “We are immensely proud to collaborate with the Museum of Goa to host the ‘Art Inc.’ exhibition, a pioneering event that not only showcases the extraordinary talents of Goan artists with disabilities but also provides them with a vital platform for financial empowerment through art sales. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute”.
Highlighting the initiative, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities said: “Art Inc.’ exhibition is a testament to the incredible creativity and resilience of Goan artists with disabilities. By partnering with the Museum of Goa we aim to create a supportive environment where these artists can not only showcase their talent but also achieve financial independence. The launch of Swabhiman Udyam Goa is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower persons with disabilities, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed as entrepreneurs. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on our community.”
Sharada Kerkar, CEO – MOG also weighed in on initiative, saying: “‘Art Inc.’ is a step in the right direction to making the world of art accessible to all, with 10 artworks offering tactile accessibility to visually impaired visitors. The exhibition has also been divided into two sections to cater to the artists’ respective levels of artistry, with one section displaying the works of seven leading artists, and the other for the 40 aspiring artists”.
Speaking of her association to this as a curator, Samira Sheth, Curator Art Inc states: “Art Inc. is a platform for all art lovers who want to buy meaningful art and art that makes a difference. Each work is soothing, stimulating and tells a story and I urge everyone to come and get inspired.”
Excited to be part of such an event, leading artist, Frederika Menezes, artist, poet, author; says: “This art exhibition has provided wonderful opportunity for persons with disabilities to showcase talent that otherwise would go unnoticed. To ensure that art is accessible to all, MOG is also making strides in ensuring that the museum is physically and digitally accessible, by building ramps, accessible restrooms, tactile guides and braille descriptions for exhibits, and having sign language interpreters in the case of the former.”
The inaugural function also witnessed the launch of Amcho Posro, an innovative initiative poised to revolutionise micro-entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Goa. This visionary model aims to empower PwDs by providing essential resources, support, and training to establish and grow their businesses. Rooted in inclusion and economic empowerment, Amcho Posro unites a dedicated team of professionals from AnklyticX, Innovent, Marketing on the Menu, O’Gharant, and Queen Bee to support aspiring PwD entrepreneurs.
The stakeholders involved may evolve and change based on sector requirements. Designed as a comprehensive ecosystem, Amcho Posro fosters economic independence for PwDs through entrepreneurship, creating a nurturing environment where PwDs can leverage their unique skills and talents to build sustainable businesses, thereby redefining opportunities and inclusivity for PwDs in Goa.
Through this process, seven leading artists and over 40 aspiring artists were identified, showcasing artworks across various themes, including still-life, portraiture, landscape, architectural, and abstract art. Art Inc. is a celebration of their creativity and a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and bringing communities together through art.
Leading Artists:
Dylan Arthur | Eashan Kamat | Frederika Menezes | Gregory Burns | Nigel Lazarus De Souza | Saharsh Santosh Vaigankar | Sufyan Panna
Aspiring Artists:
Aarav Saini | Abishek Rao | Akshay Salelkar | Amintaj Nashipudi | Anup Anand Sawant | Anwesh Akhtar | Arnav C. Shipure | Ashwin Joseph | Ellwyn D’Souza | Gajesh S. Nageshkar | Gaurish Samanth | Geridhar Salil Ajgaonkar | Harsh Dhargalkar | Heramb Hemant Telang | Ishaan Motiani | Lucy Fernandes | Mandar M. Naik | Mangerish Dessai | Maria Andrade | Naina Rodrigues | Nandan Nadkarni | Narendra Raikar | Priyanka Wadkar | Purvi Pundalik Phadte | Rajat Narendra Borkar | Ritesh Vaigankar | Sahil S. Kurade | SanikaPhaldesai | Sanskrit Raju Naik | Sarvesh Suresh Naik | Shane DMello | Shankar Honnur | Shivani Chari | Shreyash Salgaonkar | Sneham Sarkar | Sonia Dessai | Sumanth Naik | Tanish Kinalkar | Tanvesh Damodar Parwar | Tukaram Gaonkar | Varad Kannur | Yotham Thakur
