The vibrant city of Panjim in Goa underwent a cultural metamorphosis as the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023 unfolded, turning prominent sites into havens of creative stimulation, artistic expression, and meaningful interactions. The nine-day interdisciplinary festival, which concluded on December 23, seamlessly blended traditional and contemporary forms across various disciplines, fostering conversations on mental health and climate change initiatives.
Supported by esteemed entities such as the Government of Goa, the Corporation of The City of Panaji, the Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa, the Entertainment Society of Goa, the Goa Tourism Department, Panaji Smart City, and the Goa Forest Department, the festival boasted a diverse curatorial lineup. Notable figures like Sandeep Kumar Sangaru, Chef Thomas Zacharias, Bickram Ghosh, Geeta Chandran, and Quasar Thakore Padamsee, among others, led the way in crafting a unique artistic experience.
Spanning 18 locations, including cultural spaces like the Old GMC Complex, the Art Park, Azad Maidan, Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir ESG Complex, and Nagalli Hills, the festival engaged visitors of all ages with visual, sensorial, and interactive experiences. From the electrifying performance by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain to the enchanting closing by Shilpa Rao, musical evenings were a standout feature.
This year’s edition prioritized inclusivity, especially in its children’s programming led by ThinkArts at the “Young at Art: Children’s Corner.” Workshops and interactive sessions aimed to unleash the creative imagination of young minds, exemplified by Sananda Mukhopadhyaya’s play “Saglejan Kheltat” (Everyone Plays), commissioned by the NGO Quest.
The festival also delved into the realm of sound and visuals with exhibits like “Synaesthetic Notations,” curated by Veerangana Solanki. Works from 15 artists explored the interplay between sound and visual imagery, offering a captivating experience for attendees. Artist Satya’s production, “Hello? Who is Speaking,” used sound and fragmented glass to delve into the layered meaning of ‘self.’
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, the festival showcased mixed-media exhibitions at the Old PWD Complex. Exhibitions like “Time As a Mother” and “Roots to Resilience” highlighted the fragile relationship between humans and nature, providing unique perspectives on environmental challenges.
Serendipity Arts Festival 2023 also aimed to foster discussions on mental health, body acceptance, and loneliness through workshops, performances and plays. Notable projects included the play “Jump,” which sensitively addressed the topic of suicide, and workshops like “Hello Body” and “The Rhythm in Nothingness.”
In addition to commissioned projects, the festival partnered with institutions globally, weaving cross-cultural narratives and bringing forth diverse artistic creations. Noteworthy projects like “Pixel” and “Epicentre” showcased the intersection of technology, dance, and storytelling.
Ms. Smriti Rajgarhia, Director of Serendipity Arts Foundation & Festival, expressed delight in the collaborative success of the festival, emphasizing the role of culture as a diplomatic tool.
The 2023 edition of the festival featured over 150 events, showcasing the works of more than 1500 artists, with around 15 commissioned works and an exploration of diverse practices and artistic creations through a unique lens. This marked the 8th edition of the festival, with two digitally hosted editions in 2020 and 2021.
For more information about the festival, visit www.serendipityartsfestival.com.