A future-forward arts festival rooted in Goa

The Serendipity Arts Festival returns to explore the role of culture in negotiating complex ideas and uncertain futures

- Avantika Bhuyan

Culture as a tool to shape the future—that is the premise underlying the ninth edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, all set to take place in Panjim, Goa. The workshops, performances, conversations, and exhibitions spanning music, dance, theatre, food, craft, and visual arts aim to examine our relationship with the body, time, space, community, and ecology.

As one pores over the lineup of events, there is an introspective feel to this annual interdisciplinary. "In the face of the uncertainties that we encounter as a society, a cultural festival such as this brings us together as a community, shows ways of coexisting, and makes us resilient," says Smriti Rajgarhia, director of the festival and the Serendipity Arts Foundation that helms it.

"Liberal arts need to be part of everyone's lives. In the modern age, when everything is about control, culture gives you tools to negotiate that control," she explains.

Some of the curators from past editions are returning to the festival this year, including Quasar Thakore Padamsee for theatre and Geeta Chandran for dance. Newer curators, such as the collective Edible Issues—run by Anusha Murthy and Elizabeth Yorke—will bring another dimension to the dialogue.

The craft segment curated by Sandeep Sangaru and Kristine Michael showcases the resourceful craftsmanship of Ladakh's artisans, while also bringing together contemporary and traditional artists working in ceramics and glass.

There is a greater focus on accessibility with writer-disability campaigner Salil Chaturvedi curating projects such as Blind Date with Friends about overcoming barriers to access, both physical and social.