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Bionote:
Rouble Nagi is a social worker and activist and an author; she is the Founder of Rouble Nagi Art Foundation. Born in a small village in Jammu & Kashmir to Sikh parents and growing up as an army officer's daughter in Military cantonments all over the country has influenced her work and love for the nation.
Rouble Nagi has been a social worker and activist all of her adult life, and believes that learning to extend the range of our compassion is activity and work available to all. She is a staunch defender not only of women and child rights, but of the rights of all living beings. Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF) is a Mumbai based not-for-profit organization set up with the vision to make sure that all children get an education that helps them become caring, responsible, and productive citizens. As a concrete step towards realizing this vision, RNAF runs various programmes aimed at providing quality education for underprivileged children by introducing low cost and sustainable education models.
Her Initiative Misaal Mumbai/India was the first slum transformation initiative in the country where she transformed more than 1,50,000 hutments in over 163 slums and villages in India. This transformation involved initiatives such as sanitation improvement, waterproofing,workshops on women empowerment, connecting with people through art, fostering a positive mindset, promoting education through art, advocating against plastic usage, and supporting girl child education.
Read more about her at https://www.roublenagi.com/
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Interviewed by Sarah Rahaman Shaikh
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1. TMYS: What is your personal vision and motivation as an artist?
RN:
My vision as an artist is to use creativity as a force for positive social change and empowerment. Motivated by a deep-rooted desire to address societal issues and uplift communities, my art serves as a platform for storytelling, advocacy, and cultural enrichment. Through vibrant murals, expressive paintings, and intricate sculptures, I aim to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action. Being a philanthropist further fuels my motivation, as I channelize my artistic talents into community development projects aimed at education, health, and empowerment. Overall, my vision is centred on leveraging creativity to create a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.
2. TMYS: Have your art, especially the murals, ever been inspired by any tribal motifs? Do you believe in cross-culture experiments where the designs of two or more forms are merged to create a new form?
RN:
Yes, indeed. Many of my artworks including murals, often draws inspiration from tribal motifs. I find tribal art incredibly rich in symbolism, culture, and history, which resonates deeply with me. Incorporating tribal motifs into my work not only allows me to celebrate the diversity of cultures, but also honour the traditions of Indigenous communities.
As an artist and social worker, I firmly believe in the power of cross-cultural experimentation. Combining elements from different artistic traditions not only creates visually stunning compositions but also fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and promotes intercultural dialogue.
3. TMYS: What role does Rouble Nagi Art Foundation play in addressing the educational needs of Indigenous and Adivasi artists, fostering skill development and preserving traditional artistic techniques?
RN:
Rouble Nagi Art Foundation plays a pivotal role in addressing the educational needs of Indigenous and Adivasi artists by providing a platform for skill development and preserving traditional artistic techniques. Through various initiatives, the foundation offers art workshops, training programs, and educational resources tailored to the unique needs of the students in the balwadis.
In essence, our NGO serves as a catalyst for the holistic development of Indigenous and Adivasi community, addressing educational needs, fostering skill enhancement, and preserving the rich tapestry.
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Amazon India link for TMYS Review June 2024 is here.
(Available worldwide via Amazon)
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4. TMYS: How can philanthropic efforts help sustain the livelihood of the tribal artists and artisans in connection with mainstream society? How inclusive is the philanthropy for Indian art to empower and promote visibility of tribal artists? Please share a few factors considered towards such investment?
RN:
Social Work plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihood of tribal artists and artisans while integrating them into mainstream society. By providing financial support, training, and resources, philanthropy enables these artists to preserve their cultural heritage, hone their skills, and access broader markets, thus ensuring economic sustainability. I am of the belief that through social work, we can promote Indian art for Adivasi community by focusing on several key factors:
Skill Development: Introducing and engaging in skill development programs helps tribal artists and artisans to enhance their artistic abilities, learn new techniques, and adapt traditional practices to contemporary contexts. Workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs can empower artists to improve their craft and increase their marketability.
Market Access: Facilitate market access for tribal artists and artisans by providing them with platforms like ‘Studio Saksham’ for showcasing their work. This not only increases visibility but also opens up opportunities for financial independence.
Cultural Preservation: Supporting initiatives that focus on preserving traditional artistic techniques and cultural heritage ensures the continuity of Indigenous art forms. Philanthropy can provide training to artists and artisans through its initiatives that result in promoting tribal art traditions, thereby safeguarding their legacy for future generations.
Community Empowerment: We engage with tribal communities to understand their needs and aspirations, involving them in decision-making processes and fostering a sense of ownership over cultural initiatives. By empowering communities, social work contributes to sustainable development and social cohesion.
Overall, our efforts are to prioritize skill development, enhance skill-sets, cultural preservation, and community empowerment while providing a platform through which they become financially self-reliant. This can significantly contribute to sustaining the livelihoods of tribal community.
5. TMYS: How does technology boost the empowerment of tribal artists and tribal art in the modern market economy?
RN:
Technology provides a broader exposure through online platforms and social media, facilitating direct communication and connection of the art designed by artists and the customers/buys worldwide, offering opportunities for skill enhancement, and enabling cultural preservation through digital archives and virtual museums. This greatly empowers tribal artists and tribal art in the modern market economy.
6. TMYS: What role can a social activist play in raising awareness about the challenges faced by tribal artists, advocating for their rights and cultural recognition?
RN:
I, along with my team, believe in engaging with the people residing in the community to witness and understand the actual reality of the living condition, environment, and other challenging factors, on the basis of which RNAF organizes campaigns, workshops, and motivational lectures to shed light on issues such as exploitation, marginalization, and cultural appropriation. By amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that values and respects the rich cultural heritage of the tribal community.
7. TMYS: What are the ways to encourage tribal artists to share their stories and help them achieve recognition?
RN:
As an artist and social worker, I've found that empowering tribal artists involves creating platforms for them to share their stories and talents. One effective approach is to establish community art initiatives that provide resources, training, and exhibition opportunities. Collaborating with local organizations and government bodies can also help in organizing workshops, festivals, and cultural events that celebrate tribal artistry. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and social media can amplify their voices and attract wider recognition. Ultimately, fostering a supportive environment that values and respects tribal art traditions while also encouraging innovation is key to ensuring that their stories are heard and their talents are recognized on a broader scale.
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Amazon India link for TMYS Review June 2024 is here.
(Available worldwide via Amazon)
***
8. TMYS: How can Non-profits and other welfare organizations collaborate with governments and policymakers to create supportive environments for tribal artists?
RN:
Collaboration of NGOs with Government is crucial in order to create supportive environments for tribal artists by advocating for policies that protect their rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and provide them with resources and opportunities. This collaboration could involve lobbying for funding dedicated to tribal art initiatives, facilitating partnerships between artists and local communities, and organizing training programs to enhance their skills and marketability. By working together, these entities can ensure that tribal artists receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they need to thrive while preserving their rich cultural traditions.
9. TMYS: What challenges do humanitarian professionals like you have to face to foster the unique tribal artistic heritage and help them present their work to the mainstream audience? How can upcoming institutions help in handholding tribal artists and inspire commercialisation, especially those who are located in remote places?
RN:
I've encountered various challenges faced by tribal artists and artisans in and around their locality, including limited access to resources, lack of recognition, and socio-economic disparities. To address these challenges, upcoming institutions can play a crucial role by offering mentorship programs, providing access to education and training, facilitating market linkages, and creating platforms for showcasing art and skills inspired by their heritage. Rouble Nagi Art Foundation has already been working on these aspects with its various initiatives including Misaal India and Studio Saksham.
Other institutions can contribute in the form of sustainable funding, infrastructural development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for policies that safeguard the rights of the Adivasi community and promote cultural preservation. By working collaboratively, we can empower these tribal artists and artisans to preserve their heritage, achieve recognition, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape while ensuring inclusive growth for all.