Office of the State Commissioner for PwD’s announced its First Series of “Colours of Resilience” – A Unique Celebration of Art and Empowerment powered by Purple Fest”, an inspiring new series dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of art while uplifting the lives of Persons with Disabilities in Goa.
‘Colours of Resilience’ has been conceptualised by celebrated Goan artist, poet and disability advocate Frederika Menezes. The first-of-its-kind event unites an extraordinary collective of talent to raise awareness and support for persons with disabilities in Goa. A “Preview Fellowship“ will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 6 pm – 8.30 pm at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula. The exhibition will continue over the weekend of 16th and 17th November from 10 am – 8 pm.
Through exhibitions, interactive sessions and diverse art forms, “Colours of Resilience” aims to empower Persons with Disabilities and foster inclusivity thus beginning a significant new chapter for Purple Fest. Generously supported by the TAJ (Cidade de Goa Heritage), ACRON Group; Liquid Gold; Big Banyan; musical artist Lavina Soares of DTR, the event creates a powerful platform for artists to showcase their work while supporting a vital cause.
Frederika Menezes is an accomplished author, poet and local digital artist with over six published books in Goa. Her work has been featured extensively in newspapers and magazines within Goa and beyond. Menezes is also known for her impactful TEDx talk, where she shared her insights and creative journey.
Living with cerebral palsy, Frederika’s journey is one of resilience and strength, reflected in her profound artwork and poetry that speak to the human spirit’s enduring power. Her artistic journey includes painting, where she creates vivid and expressive works that bring her unique perspective to life.
Her latest initiative, ‘Colours of Resilience’, is a testament to her commitment to empowering persons with disabilities. Through this pioneering art event series, she aims to create opportunities for artists with disabilities and raise funds to support accessible resources and programs, establishing herself as a cherished figure in Goa’s art and social landscapes.
Colours of Resilience aims to showcase the artistic talent of persons with disabilities, allowing them to express their unique perspectives through art, pottery and more. A highlight of the event is the auction of all showcased works, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the artists and the remainder donated to the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. These funds will support NGOs actively promoting empowerment, accessibility and inclusion throughout Goa.
Adding to the excitement, the event will feature on the fellowship evening of Friday 15th November the voluntary gratis participation of renowned Estonian sculptor TaunoKangro. Known for his captivating sculptures found in private and public collections worldwide, Kangro’s participation highlights the event’s global appeal. As part of this special initiative, Kangro will create a live sculpture during the event, which will be auctioned to further support the cause.
Another notable guest, celebrated Mumbai-based artist Manoj Das, will create a live painting and bring his dynamic fusion of art to the stage. A self-taught visionary with over three decades of artistic experience, Das has exhibited in over 300 shows and enchanted audiences through 200 live performances. His on-site painting will also be available for auction, making the event a rare opportunity to acquire meaningful artwork while supporting a noble cause.
Adding to this constellation of talent, celebrated artist Nidhi Sharma will present one of her prized paintings for on-site auction, thus inviting viewers into the emotional and spiritual grandeur of the Himalayas that she is fond of portraying. Her art captures the rugged yet breathtaking beauty of towering peaks, cascading rivers, and delicate flora, each stroke drawing viewers into a vivid journey through India’s majestic landscapes. Sharma’s painting will be auctioned alongside select artworks of Frederika’s, with proceeds going to support vital services and programs for persons with disabilities.
Taking the event to even greater heights, the evening will be graced by Santoor virtuoso and music healer Nawab Khan, a 9th-generation musician from Rajasthan. A master of the 100-string Santoor, Khan’s musical lineage traces back to the royal courts of India, and his transformative music has touched audiences across continents. Founder of the Music Meditation Center in Jodhpur and leader of the Mantra Band, Khan blends Indian classical music with spiritual chants from diverse traditions, spreading messages of peace and unity. His soulful performance will add a dimension of healing and tranquillity to the event.
Through Colours of Resilience, Frederika Menezes and her supporters seek to create a platform that not only showcases the talents of persons with disabilities but also strengthens the resources available to them. The event promises a vibrant cultural experience, uniting artists and patrons to celebrate resilience and inclusivity in Goa’s art scene.
