Aryavart International Art Camp 2025
Santiniketan, West Bengal | 12th – 18th September 2024
The International Art Camp organised by Aryavart Art Gallery at Santiniketan was held from 12th to 18th September 2024, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, master mentors, scholars, and emerging talents in a culturally immersive environment. Rooted in the philosophical and artistic legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, the camp fostered meaningful dialogue between tradition and contemporary artistic practice, visual arts and performance, pedagogy and professional growth.
Conceived as an experiential and evaluative platform, the camp integrated artistic creation, academic mentorship, cultural performances, intellectual exchange, and institutional recognition—establishing it as a landmark initiative in Aryavart’s international cultural programming.
International Artists & Award Ceremony
The camp witnessed participation from renowned artists across the globe, whose presence elevated the programme to an international stature. A formal Award Ceremony was organised to honour distinguished participating artists for their artistic excellence, cultural contribution, and engagement during the camp.
These moments reflected Aryavart Art Gallery’s commitment to recognising artistic merit while fostering meaningful global artistic exchange.
In frame, the camp witnessed participation from renowned artists across the globe, whose presence elevated the programme to an international stature. A formal Award Ceremony marked the ceremonial beginning of the camp, honouring distinguished artists for their artistic excellence, cultural contribution, and engagement. The ceremony was graced by eminent senior figures including Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; Shri V. Nagdas, Chairman, All India Lalit Kala Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India; and Shri Shyam Sharma, Padma Shri awardee. Notable international artists such as Vladimir Marcos Merchensky Arias (Peru–Argentina), Mika Vesalathi, President of the Finland Artist Association, Stefan Petkov Churchuliev and Aglika Georgieva Gaytanikova (Sofia, Bulgaria), among others, were honoured. The awards were formally conferred by Shri Vijay Prabhat Shukla, Director, Aryavart Art Gallery, reflecting Aryavart’s enduring commitment to recognising artistic merit while fostering meaningful global artistic exchange.
Watch the Art Camp Highlights
Relive the moments from Aryavart International Art Camp 2025 – the artworks, the artists, and the energy.
Indian Classical Music & Santiniketan Folk Traditions
Indian Classical Music & Folk Traditions
The cultural essence of Santiniketan was celebrated through performances of Śāstriya Sangeet (Indian Classical Music) and traditional folk dances native to the region. These performances offered participants an immersive experience of India’s living cultural heritage.
A special highlight was the Baul Sangeet performance by Lakhan Das, whose soulful presentation resonated deeply with the philosophical spirit of Santiniketan.
Student Participation & Art Showcases
Students from leading universities and art institutions actively participated in the camp, showcasing their creative works through curated video presentations and studio practices. Participating institutions included:
Amity University, Rajasthan
Poornia University, Rajasthan
Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan
Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata
The showcased works reflected diverse artistic languages, mediums, and conceptual approaches shaped by strong academic foundations.
Evaluation by Master Artists & Awards
All artworks produced during the camp underwent critical evaluation by master artists and senior practitioners. This structured review process provided students with direct mentorship, professional critique, and artistic guidance.
Outstanding works were formally recognised and awarded, reinforcing high standards of artistic excellence while encouraging innovation and discipline.
Aryavart Experience Certification – A Unique Initiative
As a pioneering initiative, Aryavart Art Gallery awarded Experience Certifications to every participating student. These certifications formally acknowledge hands-on artistic engagement, mentorship, evaluation, and institutional exposure gained during the camp.
This initiative strengthens academic portfolios, supports future career opportunities, and offers recognition beyond conventional participation certificates.
Portfolio Strengthening
Institutional Recognition
Career Advancement
Eminent Speeches & Inspirational Addresses
Dr. Sanjeev Kishore Gautam
Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, Dr. Gautam shared insights on the evolving role of art institutions, artistic responsibility, and the global positioning of Indian art.
Shri Shyam Sharma (Padma Shri)
Padma Shri awardee Shyam Sharma reflected on his artistic journey, offering inspiration and guidance that deeply resonated with young artists and practitioners.
Book Launch: “From Dot to Circle” by Amit Kalla
The camp also witnessed the launch of “From Dot to Circle” by artist and thinker Amit Kalla, with drawings (Rekhankan) by Radhey Shyam, published by Vijay Prabhat Shukla. The publication thoughtfully explores the philosophical and visual evolution of form, movement, and artistic consciousness, engaging deeply with ideas that resonate with the intellectual and cultural ethos of Santiniketan. Its unveiling during the camp added a meaningful academic and literary dimension to the programme, further enriching the dialogue between artistic practice, theory, and reflection.
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for exhibition announcements, event invitations, and more.
We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
