The Serendipity Art Festival is scheduled to be held in Goa from December 15th to 22nd. Sunil Kant Munjal, founder and patron of Serendipity Arts Foundation, talks about this year’s event and how it will be bigger and better. Edited excerpt:
What are the new initiatives at this year’s festival?
This year, we are introducing several innovative initiatives to expand the festival’s interdisciplinary scope. The first is the AI Lab in collaboration with Somewhere Arts, which explores the intersection of art and technology through immersive experiences. This year marks the curatorial debut of New Delhi-based artist duo Thukral & Tagra, known for exploring socio-economic conditions through the lens of experiential activism. We also have projects like Abundance in Scarcity, which focuses on sustainable practices and cultural resilience in Ladakh.
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There is an emphasis on things that are perhaps not at the forefront, such as Dalit cuisine, Ladakhi, and accessibility. Is this a conscious decision? What was the thinking behind that?
Yes, this is a very conscious decision. The festival has always aimed to champion inclusivity and diverse voices. By highlighting underrepresented cultures and communities, we are making a statement about the importance of these voices in shaping the contemporary cultural landscape.
How is the festival bigger and better this year?
The 2024 edition has been significantly expanded with new fields, projects, and collaborations, making it one of the largest and most interdisciplinary editions to date. We have showcased exciting performances across a variety of genres, including AI-powered installations, performance art, and large-scale immersive projects. The festival will also include collaborative workshops and exhibitions focused on sustainability, cultural resilience, and the fusion of tradition and contemporary art practices.
Our culinary arts programs such as Build Your Own Pickle, Eat the Wild: Foraging for Edible Weeds in the City, and MOCK WILD PICNIC encourage more community involvement. Additionally, this year’s multi-sensory experience will accommodate audiences with disabilities, expanding the festival’s accessibility.
Will there be some paid events aimed at generating revenue this year?
This year’s festival will feature a selection of ticketed events, including workshops and specific theater and dance productions such as the “Akhidat” and “Legacy” series performances celebrating icons such as Kumudini Rakhi and Kelucharan Mohapatra. Included. This is because these events have limited seating capacity and token entry barriers guarantee audience participation, not to generate revenue, but to provide a more intimate and exclusive experience. However, the festival continues to offer a wide range of large-scale, free-to-attend events to ensure accessibility for everyone.
Is there more funding coming from your side or other sponsors?
Our network of partners and institutions expands every year, reflecting the growing importance of cultural exchange and artistic innovation. This year, the scope of the festival will further expand with collaborations with international organizations such as the French Institute of India and LACMA.
How do you look back on this festival as it celebrates its 10th anniversary?
Looking back, this journey was truly transformative. What began as a vision to celebrate and promote interdisciplinary arts has evolved into one of South Asia’s largest cultural platforms. As we enter our 10th year, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for the future as we continue to innovate and inspire through art.
