UTSHA FOUNDATION
Bhubaneshwar, Orissa – 2012:
The Utsha Foundation for Contemporary Arts was established in 2012 by eminent Odia artist, Jagannath Panda in the heart of the city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This registered charitable organisation has the vision to make Odisha an acknowledged centre of excellence and innovation in contemporary art. The state of Odisha is rich in its multiple identities- may it be rural, urban, secular or religious. Utsha is committed to engage, nurture and promote Odisha culture and provide a platform to reflect and augment this diversity through a synthesis of contemporary and traditional art forms and mediums.
Utsha positions itself as a dynamic, artistic and intellectual platform for experimentation and creativity. Its objectives include to support emerging artists, especially those from marginal areas, and actively facilitate an informal network of contemporary artists within the region and abroad. It aims to explore how art can be used as a tool for social change. It promotes discussions and art appreciation of contemporary visual practices. For the last nine years, it has been developing new and active audiences and a space for critical debate through its work.
The Utsha Arts Residency Program invites international and Indian artists, curators, writers and art enthusiasts to interact, experiment and work with the local community and materials. It encourages them to move out of the comfort of defined spaces and work in new circumstances. For this, the residency provides an opportunity to take advantage of traditional artistic techniques and material. The resident is invited to conduct workshops, participate in local community activities, and visit several heritage sites in the region to stimulate their creativity during her/his time there.
Text Courtesy : Space118
Image Courtesy : Utsha Foundation