• 21 renowned artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor Leste, and India collaborate in Shillong, blending diverse styles and traditions in a unique residency
• The camp features interactive workshops on classical dance, music, and handicrafts, along with artist-led sessions for local school children, fostering cross-cultural learning
• Artworks created during the residency will be exhibited in New Delhi and Malaysia
Shillong:The ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp (AIAC) has officially commenced today in Shillong, bringing together 21 distinguished artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and India. Over the coming days, these talented artists will engage in meaningful dialogue, push creative boundaries, and forge lasting connections, celebrating the rich tapestry of artistic traditions across the region.
Fresh off its grand inauguration in New Delhi, the camp has landed in Shillong – India’s misty, musical heartland – and it’s already buzzing with creative chaos. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in association with Seher, this ten-day art retreat marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, stitching together artistic threads from across borders.
Founder-Director of SEHER Sanjeev Bhargava, the brain behind this exclusive camp, said, “This camp began as a bold vision—an idea my team and I nurtured from the ground up when few could imagine artists from ASEAN and India coming together like this. Bringing them into a residency that blends painting, dance, music, and community engagement was unheard of just a few years ago. Yet, here we are, witnessing incredible talent transform Shillong into a hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Seeing these artists collaborate and inspire is exactly the story we set out to create.”
Representing ASEAN and Timor-Leste are Chong Ai Chezer (Singapore), Abilio da Conceição Silva (Timor-Leste), PanichPhupratana (Thailand), PhonesithYernsensuly (Lao PDR), Mohana Kumara Velu (Malaysia), Lou Lim (Philippines), Nwe Ni Soe (Myanmar), RosNorak (Cambodia), RashidahBinti HJ Yusof(Brunei, known for detailed architectural drawings), Vincent Albert Samoel (Indonesia, interdisciplinary artist), and Xuan Tinh Vu (Vietnam, printmaking artist).
The Indian delegation showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including MrudulaKunatharaju (multi-disciplinary artist), Mousumi Biswas (realistic figurative paintings), JapaniShyamDhurwey (Gond art), Kazi Nasir (realistic contemporary nature and wildlife paintings), Prakash Joshi (Phad art), Aayush (wash painting), Vinay Kumar (Cheriyal art), BappaChitrakar (Kali Ghat art), Chandan Bez Baruah (postmodernist landscapes), and Raphael Warjri (acrylic painting).
As part of the camp’s immersive experience, artists will explore the rich artistic traditions of the region through workshops on classical dance, including Sattriya, traditional music, and indigenous crafts. They will also engage in thought-provoking discussions, exchanging insights on technique, heritage, and creative expression. Adding to the cultural showcase, The Musical Folks, a renowned Khasi band, will introduce artists to Meghalaya’s handcrafted musical instruments, including the Duitara, Bom, Ksing, Padiah, Maryngod, and Acoustic Guitar. Their performance, blending poetry and storytelling inspired by local folklore, will offer a deep dive into the region’s musical heritage.