Art and CulturalProgram of Indian and Bhutanese students

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EMPOWERMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH VAST BHUTAN PRESENTS SHADES OF TOGETHERNESS Art and Cultural Program of Indian and Bhutanese students

Background: Culture plays an important role in the development agenda of any nation. Language of art and culture is universal and cannot be confined to the boundaries of any particular creative sector or to any geographic boundaries of nation states. The South Asian region constitutes one of the oldest civilizations in this world. If the silk route and the Mughal dynasty weave a common thread between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, religion and belief systems are the common thread binding India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Like dialects of a common language, the art language of these countries draws from one common language- the language of culture.

Children are perhaps the best ambassadors of art. Fresh talent, novel thinking, uncluttered feelings and zeal to innovate - all these qualities go on to make children the best students of art. Children are also the best ambassadors of culture. They are eager to learn and happy to mingle with other children of their ilk, albeit from different countries.

It is with this objective to promote and cement the ties between the two countries that Empowerment plans to host a week long art camp in Bhutan. This art exchange camp is planned in Bhutan in association with VAST Bhutan (NGO). Volunteer Artists’Studio, Thimpu- popularly known as VAST- is a non profit organisation that nurtures and promotes a young generation of art enthusiasts through art. The organisation was founded in 1998 by a group of professional artists, Kama Wangdi, Phurba Thinley Sherpa, Jigme Lotey, Pema Dorji, and Rajesh Gurung who had the foresight to understand the invaluable benefit and importance of contemporary art and in general art education.

Shades of Togetherness – The Program

In keeping with the program’s spirit, students will be exposed to the many facets of Bhutanese popular culture, food art forms and will be inspired to discuss and share cultural nuances of their native place India. During their stay the students will tour Dochula Pass it has a panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Children will visit the Dzongs, Buddha Point, Zoring Chusum (Traditional Art Institute of Bhutan). Children enthusiastically will draw sketches and paint at the sites and study the nuances of the monuments, mountains and try to gain a deeper perspective on the cultural significance they hold and the related historical aspects. The students will participate in folk mix contemporary art workshop conducted by guest artists. On the concluding day an exhibition showcasing the paintings done by the students will be organised for viewing and the participants will receive certificates for their contribution. The cultural exchange will provide a platform to the children and a chance to come forward and unleash their hidden talents at an international level.

Lasting Impact

Shades of Togetherness not only will advocate mutual acceptance of cultures but also promoted a change in thinking. The camp will make a lasting impact on young minds and will go a long way in empowering the children in truly becoming ‘global citizens’ rather than restricting oneself to the confines of national boundaries.

Shades of Togetherness-Indo-Bhutan Art and Culture program between Indian and Bhutan art students from 12-18 years of age accompanied by school teachers. Place: Thimpu, Bhutan Hotel: Phuntsho Pelri Cost: Rs. 50,000 Date – As per School Calender Group: 15 students accompanied by 1 art teacher and Bhutanese Students Detailed itinerary of 7 days of the Art camp:

Day 01: 1. Arrival to Thimphu 2. Visit VAST and meet all artists (Introduction to all the participating artists) 3. Welcome dinner by VAST, venue VAST Studio

Day 02: 9.00a.m.: Visit to Dochula Pass Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

12.00 p.m.: Visit to Changankha Lakhang : It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

1.30p.m.: Lunch 2.30p.m.: Visit to gallery Art Yantra 3.00p.m.: Visit to Trashichhodzong and witness the lowering of National Flag

4.30pm: Visit to Dzongs: Bhutan’s distinctive style of fortress architecture is unique and a visit to the dzongs therefore becomes historically and culturally relevant. Dzongs serve as the religious, military, administrative, and social centres of their district and also are a site for the annual religious festival. The Thimpu Dzong or the Tashichhodzong (the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery) is located on the west bank of the Wang Chhu. Its grandeur and well maintained premises are a visual treat, though not all parts of the dzong are accessible to the public, the northern assembly hall houses a large statue of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and the thrones of the current and past kings.

7.00p.m.: Dinner

Day 03: 9.00a.m.: Visit to the Post Office: A visit to Bhutan’s Post Office will delight the students and not just the philatelist. The place not only offers a glimpse into the traditions through the stamp collection but also a unique chance for students to get their photos done up as personal stamps. An interesting way for exploration and learning. IMPORTANT – Take your own passport size photo and get the Bhutan stamp made on the spot itself having imprint of your photo and send it across from there to anywhere in the world to your near and dears.

10.00a.m.: Introduction and presentation on VAST and art in Bhutan

11.00a.m.: Demonstration by known artist Mr. Sukhbir Biswa on his style of Painting

1.00p.m.: Lunch Break 2.00p.m.: Group Work on the wall painting, concept development 3.00p.m.: Paint the panels “Project Peace” 5.30p.m.: Tea Break 7.00p.m. Dinner and Evening get together

Day 04: 8.00a.m.: Breakfast 9.00a.m. : Visit to Takin Preserve: A visit to Takin Preserve, Motithang, home to the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin will be a unique experience for the students. Takins look like a cross between a buffalo and a goat, infact taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

10.30a.m: Visit Zoring Chusum and attend a workshop on Thangka Art: To introduce the students to the rich cultural and heritage traditions of Bhutan, they will be taken for a visit to the Institute of Zorig Chushum. Loosely translated zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen. These thirteen arts and crafts include carpentry, weaving, sculpting, painting, clay art etc. Set up by the government to promote these traditional arts among youth this institute is commonly called the painting school. The students on their visit here get to meet and see the craftsperson in action.

1.00p.m.: Lunch Break 2.00p.m.: Continue “Peace Project” 5.00p.m. Visit Buddha Point and witness Sunset over the valley: The gigantic and the largest statue of Lord Buddha in the country, the students will be awed by its dimensions. Also the view of the Thimpu Valley is breath taking from this vantage point and a photographer’s delight.

7.00p.m.: Dinner

Day 05: 9.00a.m.: Idea Generation and distribution of canvas for individual paintings at VAST

1.00p.m. :Lunch break 2.00p.m.:Production of individual painting to be continued 7.00p.m.: Dinner

Day 06: Finishing Touches to the painting for the exhibition 1.30p.m.: Lunch Break 2.00p.m.: Walk to the market and craft bazaar beside NWCC 3.00p.m. Set up of the exhibition 5.00p.m.: Exhibition at NWCC 7.00p.m.: Farewell dinner at VAST with bonfire

Day 07: 6.00.a.m.: Early morning Departure

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