Can you share the inspiration behind the creation of The Artiste Foundation? What motivated you to establish this organisation.
Artistes are messengers of God. They spread happiness and hope. Where there is music and art, harmony prevails. It is our endeavour to spread this joy everywhere.
Being in the field of performing arts, I completely understand the struggles as well as the importance of Artistes in a society. The thought behind TAF, was to create a fraternity, where artists would be safe, nurtured, as well as together, take small and big steps to make an impact or a difference to the society.
How do you envision the role of art and artists in society?
Art and Artistes, have a direct impact on the community. From history till now, it is the art form that works as a mirror for the society. The current Art forms directly, depict the expression and mindset of the people.Art also has the power to bring about a change.
Nurturing emerging artists is a vital aspect of TAF’s work. Could you describe the strategies and platforms TAF employs to provide visibility and opportunities for these budding talents?
Apart from providing training, and workshops to young artists and budding talent TAF has come up with some new initiatives like ‘Sing with Shibani’, where new singers get to perform without world famous Shibani Kashyap. Shibani Kashyap is the Vice President of TAF and when new and talented singers perform with her, their experience grows multifold.
Another initiative of ours called ‘Friday Funkaar’ is an open platform for singers, dancer’s musicians and poets to come and showcase their talent without judgement. Here, they are free to connect and collaborate with each other creating a healthy bond among the artist fraternity.
How does the foundation engage with artists and art communities internationally, and what are some of the challenges and benefits of this global perspective?
As of now, TAF has only been able to invite renowned music and dance professors and masters to provide training to Indian artistes. Due to the pandemic, we had slowed down but now we want to restart and have engagement, cross promotion and collaboration with the Indian and international community.
Looking ahead, what are the future goals and aspirations? How do you see the foundation evolving to address the changing needs of artists and the art world?
Due to continuous evolving and changing needs of artistes and society as a whole, we endeavour to create thought provoking artistic pieces. We also would like to create awareness and generate funds for various causes through fundraising events. We aim to provide emotional support, career counselling and create a safe space for artistes. We are taking steps towards bonding between artists across genres, countries and disabilities. Art is the foundation of any society and that is why the importance of ‘The Artiste Foundation’ is limitless.
Established in 2010. The foundation’s mission is to nurture talent, foster creativity, and contribute to the betterment of society. The Artiste Foundation is committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work. Offering educational and mentorship programs to help artists develop their skills and careers.TAF has contributed immensely in the field of performing arts by inviting senior music and dance Professors and Masters from all across the globe. Few senior artistes that we have worked with are Janet Reed, an ex-professor and instructor from University of Buffalo, Patrick Hinson a senior ballet Master from UK, Andrea Andresakis a NYC based Director and choreographer, Dawn -Evette Bowman specialising in Musical theatre and Arts education to name a few. Apart from this various renowned Indian teachers and gurus like Guru Prerna Shrimali, Shibani Kashyap, Sanjay Vidhyarthi, Harish Moyal, have imparted training to upcoming artistes. Apart from providing training,TAF has been successful in creating various platforms and programmes, like Manthan, Take The Stage, Applause for artistes to showcase their talent.
Web- http://theartistefoundation.org/
Meeta Nagpal
