Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly characteristic from YourStory, with pictures that commemorate the spirit of creativity and innovation. Within the earlier 970 posts, we featured an artwork competition, cartoon gallery. world music competition, telecom expo, millets honest, local weather change expo, wildlife convention, startup competition, Diwali rangoli, and jazz competition.
The Serendipity Arts Pageant (SAF) just lately celebrated its annual multi-disciplinary version in Goa (see our protection of the festivals from 2019 onwards right here). On this picture essay, we showcase extra artworks from a number of SAF venues within the metropolis, equivalent to Previous GMC Advanced, Azad Maidan, Artwork Park, and Directorate of Accounts.
The competition crew is gearing up for a wider and extra worldwide version in 2026. “SAF 2025 was a very significant milestone for us because it marked the tenth version of the competition and likewise our largest version to this point,” Hero Group’s Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder-Patron of Serendipity Arts, tells YourStory.
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“Wanting again, the general response was actually overwhelming. The suggestions we obtained, from artists, audiences, companions, and institutional stakeholders, mirrored a deep appreciation for the size, ambition and maturity the competition has developed during the last decade,” he provides.
The curatorial depth, variety and openness had been extremely recommended, and extra engagements are deliberate throughout India and abroad this yr. “We reinforce our dedication to working as a year-round cultural establishment,” says Munjal.
“The calendar of occasions for 2026 contains residencies, exhibitions, city-based activations, and worldwide collaborations. Operating parallel to those are our grants and outreach initiatives throughout disciplines, which permit us to assist artists and cultural practitioners past the competition second,” he explains.
The competition crew is powered by an excellent crew of curators, together with Aneesh Pradhan (music), Anjana Somany (crafts) and Manu Chandra (delicacies). The curators share a few of their insights, experiences and proposals for the inventive group.
“The craft scene in India in the present day has turn out to be vibrant and visual. Its true potential might be realised if we’re capable of illustrate that craft goes past being merely a product,” Somany says.
You will need to have the ability to interact the youth-torch bearers of custom. “Solely then will we have the ability to guarantee continuity of this distinctive tender energy of our nation,” she provides.
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Somany has over three a long time of engagement within the craft world. “My nomadic life of getting lived in a number of areas has enriched me. I analysis and do lively documentation, and am engaged on a craft-related publication,” she describes.
“Artisans may do with extra assist to grasp their true potential. Design and adaption to up to date wants is a key requirement right here. The pandemic has additionally proven the significance of embracing know-how for connectivity in addition to for co-creation as a worth add,” Somany explains.
Culinary craft curator Manu Chandra runs manufacturers equivalent to Lupa and Single Thread. He’s additionally engaged with Begum Victoria Cheese and Chhota Hazri Spirits for Baagh Gin.
“India’s culinary scene in the present day is being formed by confidence and readability. There’s a clear shift towards ingredient-focused cooking, regional specificity, and menus that inform tales slightly than attempting to do every little thing directly whereas cooks proceed to develop as entrepreneurs,” he observes.
Diners are additionally extra knowledgeable and well-travelled. “They more and more worth transparency, from sourcing and method to how areas are run. We’re additionally seeing sturdy development in casual-yet-serious eating, the place high quality and intent matter greater than formality,” he provides.
As suggestions for aspiring meals entrepreneurs, he recommends upskilling and increasing information past core competencies. “Seize alternatives correctly. Importantly, construct your self a rapport with a mentor who can information the next move,” Chandra suggests.
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To scale the cultural entrepreneurship motion within the nation, the Hero Group has launched the Brij Incubator. “Initiatives for startups shouldn’t focus solely on areas like well being tech, fin tech, or ag tech. The humanities, crafts and our tradition are literally foundational,” Munjal affirms.
“Artwork and tradition are primary to all of us. The incubator’s main function might be to assist startups primarily based on arts, crafts and tradition,” he provides.
Among the supported entrepreneurs exhibited within the Artwork Park at SAF. “We need to assist artisans, artists and crafts individuals become full-time professionals. We need to make sure that their households can’t solely survive on it, however thrive on it and have a high quality of life which is snug for all,” he says.
Munjal invitations extra members of the humanities ecosystem to have interaction with Serendipity Arts via its residencies, grants, analysis initiatives, open calls, and public programmes. “We encourage them to strategy us with concepts which can be grounded in shared values and a willingness to work collaboratively. A few of our most significant initiatives have emerged via dialog and sustained engagement over time,” he recollects.
Wanting forward, what feels most essential is continuity and care. “Artists, cultural information, and infrastructure want funding with endurance and duty,” he recommends.
“As Serendipity Arts grows, each inside India and internationally, our focus stays on creating areas the place inventive observe can thrive, essential conversations can happen, and tradition stays central to how we think about our collective future,” Munjal indicators off.
Now what have you achieved in the present day to pause in your busy schedule and harness your inventive facet for a greater world?
(All pictures taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at SAF 2025.)
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