Sunaparanta, the well-known not-for-profit founded by Dipti and Dattaraj V Salgaocar, is noted for its encouragement of creativity, learning and appreciation of varied art forms. July 1, 2023, will see the start of its visual art and theatre programmes i.e. Pencil to Portfolio and InStages, respectively.
PENCIL TO PORTFOLIO FOR YOUNG ADULTS
This programme invites all those interested in pursuing a career in art, design, architecture, fashion, or animation and also those keen on developing creative skills.
The 26-session curriculum developed by senior artist and lead facilitator of Pencil to Portfolio Rajendra Usapkar, who is supported by a team of dedicated and highly accomplished artists, is focused on illustrating individual talent and strengthening the artistic practice of the students.
“In Pencil to Portfolio programmes, students receive individualized attention and have the opportunity to enhance their drawing skills and proficiency in various mediums, enabling them to experiment, build confidence, and refine their artistic abilities," says Rajendra Usapkar. Sunaparanta has been our artistic home for several years, where artists Sidharth Gosavi, Swapnesh Vaigankar, and I have been actively involved, he recalls.
"Our commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the success of our students who, upon completing our programme, display confidence and excel in their admission exams for esteemed institutions such as NID, NIFT, Srishti Art Colleges in Bangalore, and architecture colleges,” he adds.
Lead artist Rajendra Usapkar along with guest artists Swapnesh Vaigankar, Vijay Bhandare, Siddharth Gosavi and John Menezes will offer personalised training and guidance to students to express their talent, sharpen their observation skills, encourage material exploration, develop critical thinking and build a cohesive portfolio.
The hands-on art sessions will explore line, shape, space, form, texture, composition, perspective and point of view as well as various approaches to the art-making process.
The hands-on art sessions will explore line, shape, space, form, texture, composition, perspective and point of view as well as various approaches to the art-making process.
The programme will culminate in a final showcase, providing students with an understanding of putting together their artwork with their peers and sharing the experiences with their family and friends.
On completion of the programme and in addition, students applying to professional colleges will be assisted in portfolio reviews and guided by the teaching faculty.
INSTAGES – A THEATRE COMPANY FOR YOUNG ADULTS
This programme is led by theatre director Arundhati Chattopadhyaya. Participants will explore the fundamentals of drama in a 25-week programme. They will be guided to write scripts adapted from short stories and learn the principles of acting, movement, costume design, soundscapes and performance.
“Theatre is a platform of communication between the performers and the audience. InStages does creative productions on current issues that enlighten the thought-provoking process and entertain at the same time," enlightens Arundhati Chattopadhyaya.
Using the style of physical theatre and minimal props, the participants learn to use space in an unusual manner and cross the dimensions that are created between the audience and themselves, she explains.
Theatre is a platform of communication between the performers and the audience. InStages does creative productions on current issues that enlighten the thought-provoking process and entertain at the same time
Arundhati Chattopadhyaya, theatre director
At the end of a production, each individual involved evolves in creative thought and discovers their inner strengths. As the saying goes – there is strength in unity: we learnt to work as one team,” adds Arundhati.
Developed as part of Creative Cloud: Connecting Art to Life, an innovation lab designed to activate the unlimited potential and resource of the human imagination through live, interactive and animated sessions, InStages will be led and mentored by experienced faculty: Keya Ann D’Souza (choreographer), Antara Bhide (actor), Keatan Jadhav (theatre practitioner), Ramita Gurav and Arti Das (writers and founders of Dhaee Aakhar, Goa) and Divesh Gadekar (multimedia artist).