The tenth edition of the Dumas Art Project, themed “Transcending Boundaries,” was inaugurated at VR Surat, Dumas Road, Magdalla on September 18th, 2024.
The Dumas Art Project, a public art festival supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation, kicked off its tenth edition with the theme “Transcending Boundaries.” This theme invites artists to create innovative artworks and sculptures that showcase their creativity and talent. The event was officially opened by Ms. Shalini Agarwal, IAS, Honourable Municipal Commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation, in a ceremony that included the traditional lighting of the lamp and the unveiling of the ‘Kala Car.’ Following this, a captivating live sand art performance, titled ‘Sands of Time’ by Sarvam Patel, enthralled the audience at the Magdalla Plaza.
This year’s festival showcases over 200 art installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs. These installations were crafted by students from prominent institutions such as JJ School of Arts, M.S. University Vadodara, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Chitrakala Parishath, Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology. The ‘Kala Car,’ created in collaboration with Guinness World Record holder Mital Sojitra, was a significant highlight. Additionally, the Basement Art Project transformed the walls of the VR Surat basement into an art gallery, displaying works from artists associated with Pintura Art. Throughout the next month, VR Surat will become a hub of artistic activity with exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, young artists’ competitions, and an artisanal bazaar.
This year’s Dumas Art Project is driven by a series of high-profile collaborations. A key partnership is with UNESCO New Delhi, focusing on areas such as STEM, education, and culture. Festival highlights include a photo exhibition inspired by UNESCO’s publication “A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science,” a digital showcase called “Interwoven Legacies: Synergies between World Heritage and Living Heritage in India,” and a curated exhibit highlighting UNESCO’s efforts to protect and promote the heritage of the Langa musicians and artisans of Rajasthan.
The festival has also formed an international collaboration with the New York-based Arts for the Future Festival, powered by the United Nations Civil Society Conference. This partnership extends the festival’s reach to a global audience, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive ecosystem for artists.
“Since the inception of the Dumas Art Project in 2013, we have proudly hosted public art festivals across India, creating vibrant spaces for cultural expression and exchange. Thanks to the overwhelming support we’ve received, our festival has grown tremendously both nationally and internationally,” said Sumi Gupta, curator of the Dumas Art Project. “Over the past decade, we’ve expanded our reach through strategic partnerships with organizations like UNESCO and Arts for the Future, which support emerging artists through initiatives like our Artist Mentorship Program. I am incredibly proud to unveil the tenth edition of the Dumas Art Project and look forward to building new partnerships that will benefit both students and the broader community.”
Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO New Delhi South Asia Regional Office, emphasized the significance of heritage in his remarks. “The interconnectedness of the world’s built, natural, and living heritage is crucial to safeguarding efforts. The ‘Interwoven Legacies’ digital exhibition explores this interdependence, highlighting eight World Heritage sites in India alongside living heritage traditions. This exhibit is presented alongside a display showcasing efforts to protect the Langa musicians and artisans of Rajasthan.”
The festival showcases a dynamic array of artistic talent and projects. Kadambari Misra’s “Iconic Women Project” spotlights unsung female figures through photography and storytelling, while a retrospective of Gita Hudson’s works offers a deeper look into Gujarat’s artistic legacy. The “Gujarat in Focus” segment features stunning photographs of the city captured by both established and emerging photographers. The Young Artists program provides students with an opportunity to express themselves through various artistic mediums.
This year, Dumas Art Project has partnered with the NGO Art Reach, which collaborates with artists to provide creative opportunities for vulnerable children, youth, and women from marginalized communities. During the festival, Art Reach will work with local artists to conduct workshops that encourage children to participate in the public arts festival, helping them develop new art-making skills and explore storytelling through art.
A panel discussion on the “Role of Art in Urban Transformation” will feature artists and experts discussing how art can redefine urban spaces. Additionally, a special art therapy session by prodigy artists from Moksha Foundation will demonstrate the therapeutic power of artistic expression.
Other festival attractions include workshops on block printing, papier-mâché, pottery, fragrance making, and mirror mosaics. The Art Bazaar will showcase local artisans and their creations, accompanied by live music and performances. Folk artists from Rajasthan, in collaboration with UNESCO and Rajasthan Tourism, will offer a rich cross-cultural experience through performances and handicraft displays.
Student artists participating in the festival will have the opportunity to benefit from the Artist Mentorship Program, which was launched in 2023. This program selects three students from each of the six Public Art Festivals every year, providing them with mentorship from prominent artists such as British contemporary artist Piers Bourke, Bose Krishnamachari, co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and other notable creators.
Collaborations with Filmshoppe, Park Inn, Arts for the Future Festival, Swachh Bharat Sarwekshan, Lotus Bottle Art, and NOS have been essential to the success of this year’s edition.
Surat, a city known for its artistic spirit, has welcomed the festival with enthusiasm, drawing more than 3.17 million visitors since its inception.
Established in 2013, the Dumas Art Project is a vibrant platform that showcases the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Gujarat. Supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation, the project is also part of VR Surat’s “Connecting Communities©” initiative, which aims to foster civic pride, boost the local economy, and elevate the city’s profile both nationally and internationally.
