Art for Social Change
Using the universal language of arts, we create these safe sharing spaces of different social justice issues across India. Through simple, jargon-free conversations, we wish to make these gatekept discourses accessible.
We believe that art, in all its forms, has the power to ignite social movements, big and small.
Why do we create such spaces?
- To build little pockets of solidarity
- To create spaces for inter-generational collaboration between seasoned activists and aspiring changemakers
- To enable the youth to become active agents of change
- To equip folks with sustainable art-based tools to build their advocacy
These baithak usually see a lot of college students, artists, social workers with genders across the spectrums! We have even had parents who are eager to support their LGBTQ+ children join us
Impact
- 5+ cities
- 6 SDGs
- 30+ workshops
- 450+ changemakers
Kala aur Kriti Baithaks
Designed and facilitated by Pragya Sikka, Arts practices for inclusion facilitator, and Harshit Singh, spoken word artist and queer rights advocate - these spaces are usually hosted in rural and semi-urban cities of India - often in public parks. Loved and impatiently waited for by people, 5 editions of Kala aur Kriti Baithaks have been held so far since December 2023.
Edition 1:
Held in Mehrauli, Delhi, this baithak called #BreakSilenceEndViolence was part of Friends of Toto’s ongoing campaign coinciding with #16DaysofActivism - to talk about gender-based violence in a queer affirmative trauma-informed space
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution
Edition 2:
This edition, held in Hauz Khas in Delhi, looked at art as a tool for self-discovery and identity exploration - with an introduction to the idea of intersectionality and inclusion.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Edition 3:
The fight against gender-based violence continued in the city of Varanasi. This edition, co-curated with Varanasi Queer Pride saw participants share experiences they had never vocalized before through poetry and art.
SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution
Edition 4:
Held on a sunny afternoon in Qila Rai Pithora, New Delhi - #PrakartiAurMai - the fourth edition of Baithak opened critical dialogue on urbanization, development, and climate crisis while painting cute earthen pots.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action
Edition 5:
Through creative, imaginative, and critical art-based group activities, this baithak facilitated conversations on the need for Collective Care & Collective Activism through empathy, allyship, and action.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institution
Edition 6:
This edition - 'Badhlav Ki Aur Ek Or Koshish' in Collaboration with Kutumb Foundation - was on hopes & dreams of this passionate group of children, which ended with them making संविधान की सखी for themselves. Encouraging them, Enabling them, building on and with the power of togetherness and dialogues on the basics of fundamental rights.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Reviews
Reflection और introspection के बीच में जहन में होने वाली बातों को सोचने और समझ कर आज़ादी से सामने रखने देना कितनी कमाल सोच है ये, i am in awe of this.
ek aisi baithak jahan maano jaise kalakaaron ki numaaish si lag gayi ho, Koi apni kalm ke zariye apne khawaabon ko aakar dene mein laga hai, to koi apni aawaz se badlav lane ki icha rakhta hai, to koi us badlav ki aawaz ka hissa banna chahta hai, to koi khud ke sukkon ke liye rangon ko hissedar banakar, kisi ki khushiyon ka hissedar hona chahta hai... Yaha har kisi ke labon pe hasi, chehre pe udasi aur aankhon mein kuch kar guzarne ki aag hai jiski roshini mein kalon ki umeedon ked lye jal rahe hai...!!
Baithak bahut khubsoorat rahi, sabhi sundar logon ki wajah se. Jin muddo par ham bat kar paye unpar bat honi behad zaruri hai