Hyundai Motor India Foundation kicks off third season of Art for Hope initiative

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), has announced the felicitation of 40 grantees from 20 regions across India, in the third edition of its flagship 'Art for Hope' initiative.

The Art for Hope programme focuses on nurturing and promoting India's rich traditional art, craft, and culture, serving as a platform to showcase the remarkable talent of artists from across India. Art for Hope - Season 3 is being held at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, between March 28-31, 2024. The four-day exhibition and workshop claim to offer a platform for emerging artists, youth, women, communities, and local talent, all supported by HMIF grants.

Kumar Tuhin, Director General - Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Kamalini and Nalini Asthana, renowned Kathak artists and Padma Shri awardees, and Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, HMIL, were present at the inauguration of the event in the national capital.

Aligned with Hyundai's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity,' Art for Hope seeks to democratise access to art, providing a national platform for artists to showcase their talent and creativity. The initiative spans various artistic domains including visual art, digital art, performing art, traditional folk art, and cultural community art.

Speaking at the inaugural, Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, "Hyundai Motor India Foundation, under Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ has been working in varied sectors to create opportunities and livelihood for the underserved. With deep respect for art and artists, we connected with various communities and added art collectives to our repertoire in the first two editions of Art for Hope.”

“This year, we fortify our efforts and enhance our reach by including specially-abled artists, in our endeavour to enrich more lives. Keeping our eyes open for things anew, we appreciate inclusion and the myriad perspectives it brings forth. Artists present a glimpse of our world, things beyond we could see with our eyes, and it is this unique perspective and world-view that we truly admire at Hyundai,” Kim added.

Launched in 2021, Art for Hope has spread across all states in India and benefited over 100 artists. In the last three years, HMIF has consistently been dedicated to promoting art and culture, awarding 100 grants adding up to Rs 1.05 crore, and an overall investment surpassing Rs 5 crore. The initiatives have benefited over 11,000 artists and artisans across the country. Through a meticulous evaluation process by a celebrated jury panel, 40 artists were shortlisted from 470 applications in Art for Hope - Season 3, based on criteria like project concept and impact, artist portfolio, and their respective backgrounds.

Through this initiative, participants not only receive social, emotional, and financial support, they also get a platform for recognition that acts as a springboard for further opportunities and market linkage for a brighter future. The exhibition will display artworks ranging from traditional arts and crafts, paintings, art installations, photographs and performing arts, created, and curated with the grant support by 30 artists. Works of 10 specially-abled artists from ‘Ability for Dignity’ program of HMIF will also be showcased.

The 4-day extravaganza will focus on inclusivity by use of braille, tactile artworks and sign language interpretations for differently-abled visitors.

In addition to the grant exhibits, an array of workshops and talks will be organised for the youth like calligraphy, mask making mobile photography, traditional painting, etc.  Panel discussions on cultural sustainability in a globalised world; need for inclusive arts and art as catalyst for social change, will also be held by eminent speakers from cultural and social sector.

During the 4-day fest, a special screening for 10 best films created during the recently concluded ‘MyMobileMovie’ workshop for 50 young change-makers from the underprivileged background supported by HMIF, will also be held.