The one-month art residency programme ‘Artists’ Point 2018’ was held in the scenic South West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya in November 2018. This initiative brought together international art professionals from Austria (Bianca Tschaikner), the Czech Republic (Barbora Kachlikova), Denmark (Lasse Mouritzen), Slovakia (Kristina Kandrikova), Ukraine (Katya Buchatska), and Meghalaya (Damanbha Hynniewta). The participating artists engaged with the children of Mawkyrwat District through a variety of workshops, exchanging innovative ideas on creative thinking applicable to diverse fields of education.

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Workshops for School Children and Teachers
A three-day art workshop was organized for school children, children with special needs, and teachers, focusing on the importance of natural resources and environmental preservation. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of ecological conservation through creative practices and interactive sessions.

 

Creative Workshop at Hope Children’s Home
A two-day creative art workshop at Hope Children’s Home in Mawkyrwat culminated in the creation of a vibrant mural painting at the entrance gate of the Girls’ Hope Home. In addition to the mural, the children explored abstract monotypes, which encouraged them to experiment with new forms of artistic expression.

 

Land Art Workshop: 'Becoming an Animal'
The workshop ‘Becoming an Animal’ invited children from Jakrem village to collaborate on a monumental land art installation inspired by the local Khasi myth of the Rahon (tiger). Participants learned to give form to their traditional stories by using locally available materials, expressing their cultural narratives through land art and installations.

 

While facilitating these workshops, the participating international artists immersed themselves in the culture of the Khasi Hills, documenting their impressions and experiences through their unique artworks. These artistic expressions served as a bridge between traditional heritage and contemporary perspectives. Artists’ Point 2018 demonstrated how art can inspire, educate, and connect communities, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and the local community.

 

 

Final Exhibition
The residency concluded with an exhibition held on 1st December 2018 at the Windermere Resort in Shillong. The event showcased the artists’ creations, reflecting their interpretations of Meghalaya’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The exhibition was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including:

• H.E. Ivan Lancaric, Ambassador of Slovakia to New Delhi

• Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister of Education, Meghalaya

• Shri Cyril Lyngdoh, IAS, Director of Tourism, Meghalaya

• Shri A. Marak, Director of the State Education Mission of Meghalaya

• Smt. I. Laloo, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mawkyrwat, Meghalaya

 

Organizers and Support
The programme was organized by Picasso Pupils: An Art Society and hosted by Shillong Public School. It was supported by the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM – SSA) in collaboration with the Tourism Department of Meghalaya and the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in New Delhi.

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