Avid Learning proudly collaborated as the knowledge partner with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for the first ever, India Art, Architecture, and Design Biennale (IAADB’23) held at Red Fort, New Delhi, from December 9th to 15th. Serving as a precursor to India’s involvement in the Venice Biennale 2024, the event facilitated a comprehensive dialogue among art, architecture, and design practitioners and professionals. The Biennale’s objective was to showcase the talents of both traditional grassroots artists and contemporary visionaries, uniting curators, designers, architects, and influential thinkers in a dynamic exchange of ideas. CEO, Avid Learning Asad Lalljee had the pleasure of anchoring the logo launch and curtain raiser of the Biennale on 7th October at the spectacular National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
Avid Learning meticulously curated and presented an array of programs spanning two days, featuring four captivating sessions that enriched the audience’s understanding of art, architecture, and design.
On December 10th, 2023, Creative Director of Chanakya International & Chanakya School Of Craft, Karishma Swali, delivered a compelling Lecture – Demonstration. Her presentation delved into the contemporary transformation of traditional design, emphasizing the preservation of heritage while evolving design motifs. Swali intricately connected past design heritage with modern interpretations, offering a nuanced exploration of the subject.
Following this, Design Director Benoy Gregory Kovacs took the stage, sharing international examples and best practices of sustainable architecture. His presentation, titled “Adaptive Reuse: The Architecture of Not Building,” showcased the restoration of often neglected everyday buildings, providing valuable insights into sustainable architectural approaches.
On December 11th, 2023, Avid Learning hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion. The stellar lineup included Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Ambassador, Embassy of Italy to India Vincenzo de Luca, and Poet, Curator, and Cultural Theorist Ranjit Hoskote. The discussion explored the intersection of artistic expression and global dialogue within the context of art biennales, offering a comprehensive perspective on the subject.
The event continued with an invigorating lecture demonstration by Architect and Professor at Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mustansir Dalvi. His session delved into whimsical architecture, touching upon the works of Antoni Gaudi and the Art Nouveau style. Dalvi skillfully shared a unique and enriching dimension to the exploration of architectural aesthetics.
All the four programs were moderated by SVP, Essar Group, CEO, Avid Learning, & Curator, Royal Opera House, Mumbai Asad Lalljee. These four programs unfolded dynamic blend of insights, discussions, and presentations, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge and creativity.
The year 2023 has stood out as a culturally significant year enriched by the robust partnership between Avid Learning and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It began with an Artists’ Round Table Discussion led by Ms. Mughda Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, engaging Mumbai’s visual arts practitioners to share recommendations for enriching the city’s cultural landscape. It was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Transcending Boundaries,’ at the International Museum Expo 2023 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi spotlighting the pivotal role of museums in shaping a new phase of cultural involvement. During the Festival of Libraries at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Avid Learning curated and presented ‘From Pages to Stages: The Story of Indian Literature Festivals’ with founders and directors of various literary festivals in the country. All the panel discussions were moderated by SVP, Essar Group, CEO, Avid Learning, Curator, Royal Opera House, Mumbai & Member of FICCI Arts & Culture Committee Asad Lalljee. In addition to the above multistakeholder events, Avid Learning in collaboration with its partners convened the G20 Cultural Trackers at Bengaluru and Mumbai as part of the Culture Working Group under India’s G20 Presidency followed by Virasat: Mapping Creativity, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)’s annual conference on policy discourse for the growth and development of the creative economy.
Programs like these showcase the potential of collaborations in fostering a holistic cultural dialogue by uniting public and private organizations, creating a platform that not only enriches cultural discourse but also highlights the potential impact of collaborative efforts in advancing the realms of art, architecture, and design.