Shaping Future Creatives: Bookworm Goa, Aabhat Studio, and ThinkArts Collaborate for Children’s Workshops at SAF 2024

~ The collaborative programme nurtures young minds through eco-friendly art and storytelling.

Goa Khabar: Drawing lessons from ancient wisdom, the ongoing Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 (SAF 2024) hosted a unique collaboration between Aabhat Studio, ThinkArts and Bookworm Goa, combining innovative approaches to art, architecture and storytelling, offering an enriching experience for the younger generation to engage with sustainable techniques and creative expression.

The collaborative project aims to provide a hands-on experience that blends creativity with the practicalities of eco-friendly construction, emphasising the relevance of these methods in the context of modern environmental concerns. “It’s not just about teaching the kids techniques, but igniting curiosity about how ancient practices can be applied in today’s world,” said Bhawna Jaimini, a facilitator from Aabhat Studio.

Bringing eco-friendly and creative workshops for children at South Asia’s largest multidisciplinary arts festival, Aabhat Studio, known for its sustainable architecture and commitment to preserving traditional building methods, introduced children to time-honoured techniques such as wattle, the art of weaving flexible branches and daub, using thick paint or mud smears.

Aged 7, Ahan K. had an enjoyable experience in the brick-making workshop. “It was fun to play with lots of mud, and I learned something new – how to make bricks!”, he said.

Bookworm Goa, a Panaji-based children-oriented organisation deeply rooted in the community, is also contributing to the collaboration by creating a space where children can connect with books and explore various creative forms.

As part of their collaboration, they have also curated a collection of books related to architecture, nature and conservation. These books will be integrated into the children’s workshops to encourage the exploration of stories through art. “It’s about making children feel welcome and inspired to explore new ideas,” said Sanika Dhakephalkar, a facilitator from Bookworm Goa.

Nine-year-old Ruhi enjoyed the reading session, stating: “I loved reading the book. It had a lot of pictures and it was really colourful. And I even drew a mushroom. They even played my favourite song while I was drawing.”

Under the collaborative umbrella, Kolkata-based ThinkArts, which is passionate about artistic expression, has curated a programme that complements the themes of sustainability and community. Their workshops offer a creative outlet for children, allowing them to experience self-expression through art, music and storytelling. “We believe in giving children a platform to explore their creative potential,” said Antara, one of the facilitators from ThinkArts.

This programme focussed not only on learning, but creating lasting memories and building a sense of community through art and sustainability. “Children left with a greater understanding of the world around them, sparked by an appreciation for the environment and an awareness of the importance of preserving traditional practices” said Monisha Tulsiani, a mother, whose child participated in the programme.

The children’s programming at SAF 2024 represents the growing importance of incorporating eco-conscious and creative experiences into cultural festivals, creating a space where young minds can thrive.