WHY ARTS ANANDA TRUST?
Arts Ananda Trust was founded in 2008 by Mrs. Shobha Bhatia, Founding Director of Gallerie Ganesha, in memory of her late husband, Anand Sagar Bhatia, with the intention of providing funds to develop and promote the creative arts of India. Since then the Trust has been identifying worthy talent across India to support and promote towards artistic innovation and creativity.
SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Artistic heritage is an invaluable part of cultural preservation, story-telling, documentation of the times and ages, coagulation of the various segments in society and historic events. It plays a vital role in not only preserving our past but also paves the way ahead for our future. The legacy of a culture lies in its traditional values, practices and artistic heritage. It is therefore very important for a sense of individual and national identity. Art can open people's minds and enable them to think for themselves, ask questions pertaining to personal and social development and it addresses highly introspective aspects. Art provides therapy and solace in the modern day world and is a vital source of livelihood for several artisans across the country.
OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES
- Identify areas, artists and organizations in the field of visual and performing art that are playing a substantial role in the development, preservation and promotion of artistic heritage, culture and works of art.
- Design, facilitate and encourage new programs and initiatives for the enhancement of skill development and artistic knowledge among creative professionals. To facilitate international and cultural exchange among artists and performers and help them to conduct and organize workshops, symposiums and residencies.
- Work in tandem with other organizations both local and international, NGOs, the government, ministries and national bodies in the patronization of art and artists.
- Provide infrastructure, advisory, intellectual, financial and technical assistance to tribal, rural and underprivileged artists, creative professionals and students regardless of caste, socio- economic background, gender or community.
- Foster the economic development of art, culture, dance, drama, literature, creative arts, festivals and events. Promote ethical economic values among those in the industry and looking after the interests of artists, performers and creators.
- Undertake programs aimed at the revival of artistic practices, dance forms, creative mediums and help establish facilities and studios with necessary infrastructure for the creation and promotion of the visual and performing arts.
- To promote communities and education that is affiliated with visual and performing art.
- Singling out valuable assets in terms of artistic talent and capabilities and enabling them to achieve their visions and goals.
- Support underprivileged artists, craftsmen, performers, visualizers, writers and creative thinkers with sustainable and creative ideas. To facilitate them and help them gain further expo sure, international experience and reach.
- Creating awareness about the importance and value of art and culture in modern day India and also the conservation of artistic, cultural and our intangible heritage.
- Re-establish the faith in the creative arts as a viable means of income and livelihood and the importance of carrying on family professions in the arts, crafts and performing sectors. Balance the migration from tradition-based livelihood.
SHOBHA BHATIA, Managing Trustee
An Economics Honours Graduate from Delhi University, Shobha Bhatia
trained as an artist under Professor Kulkarni at Triveni Kala sangam,
New Delhi. She set up Gallerie Ganesha in 1989, to provide a platform
for the steadily growing number of upcoming artists and to create
greater awareness by exposure to high quality art, thereby bridging
the time gap between creativity and recognition in the Art world.
GEETA CHANDRAN, Executive Committee
Geeta is celebrated for her deep and composite understanding of the
art of Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, her work in television, video
and film, theatre, choreography, dance education, dance activism and
dance-issue journalism. Founder-President and Artistic Director of
Natya-Vriksha, Geeta Chandran is well-known for her philanthropy. In
recognition of her contribution to Bharatanatyam, Geeta was awarded
the Padma Shri in 2007.
AMBICA BERI
Art Patron for the last 25 years, Ambica Beri is the Founding Director
of Art Ichol and Gallery Sanskriti. A textile designer by training,
she chose to follow her passion and nurture art and artists, through
her gallery and other establishments. She supports various
underprivileged artists and children and facilities new dialogue and
experimentation in artistic creation. She now creates on an altogether
different plane.
BHAVANA SABHERWAL
Bhavana Sabherwal has been working as a volunteer in the field of Art,
Culture, and Education, for over twenty years and is the Delhi
representative of Gallery Sanskriti, Kolkata, since 1996. She is also
a Director at Art Ichol. Trained in Hindustani Classical Music, she
has an innate passion for music and dance and is currently also
imparting music training and guidance to children and adults.
ANJUMIT NOBIS
Anjumit Nobis studied textile designing in 1980, and her love for textiles led her to engage in
IKAT projects with government agencies in Odisha. Having dabbled in oil painting while exploring
her interests, Anjumit found her passion in photography. She has captured the wilderness of India
and Africa on high definition videos, some of which have been used by prominent television channels.
Anjumit lives with her husband Babi Nobis, a founder member of Wildlife Protection Society of India,
between Bandhavgarh (Wildlife Sanctuary) in Madhya Pradesh, Kolkata and Delhi. Her close proximity to
Art Ichol in Madhya Pradesh has inspired her to work in ceramics. Anjumit feels fortunate to be able
to pursue and develop her passion in her journey as an art lover.
Anjumit is a trustee of Arts Ananda Trust, which allows her to contribute to the cause of art and artists.