Curating Cultural Festivals and Art Programs
Curating is not just about the show; it is about building a bridge between the artist and the audience. Whether it is a classical dance recital or a folk performance, my focus is on creating immersive experiences that honor tradition while inviting new perspectives.
A glimpse into the energy of the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, where I curated three different presentations, from Odissi to Bhangra.
A wide view of the 'LEGENDS' session I curated at Serendipity Arts Festival, celebrating the iconic Guru Kumudini Lakhia.
A selfie moment with my dear friends and fellow artists after the session honouring Kumudini Lakhia. These are the moments that build our community.
A performance of a Tarana by the disciples of Aditi Mangaldas, part of the 'LEGENDS' session. Curating is about creating a complete, satisfying experience for the audience.
On stage with the artists of the 'LEGENDS' session. It is my honour to create platforms that celebrate the guru-shishya parampara.
A moment of pure joy and laughter with fellow dancers. The arts community is a family, and I cherish these connections.
In conversation with Guru Ratikant Mohapatra for the 'Legacy and Continuum' session, focusing on the work of his father, the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.
As a curator, my role is to guide the conversation and bring out the stories that audiences need to hear.
With the dancers of Srjan and Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. This curated session included a film, a dialogue, and a live performance.
The dancers of Srjan performing a piece choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, bringing his legacy to life on stage.
About Curating Events & Nurturing a Community of Rasikas
Curating is a dialogue that happens long before the stage lights go up. It starts with finding the right voice—like when I scouted the Rangla Punjab troupe for the Serendipity Arts Festival—and ensuring the energy is authentic. My process involves weaving together films, discussions, and live demonstrations to ensure the audience isn't just watching, but truly connecting with the lineage of the art form.
For me, the stage is only one part of the equation. To truly foster a community of rasikas, we must create spaces where history, theory, and performance collide. This is the heart of my work in festival and event curation.
Building the Bridge
When I curate, I look for threads that connect the past to the present. In my collaboration with the Serendipity Arts Festival, I focused on the 'Legends' series. It was not enough to simply showcase a performance. We needed to contextualize it. By combining film screenings, no-holds-barred conversations with dancers like Aditi Mangaldas, and live recitals, we allowed the audience to see the 'Legacy and Continuum' of an art form. My role is to guide the conversation, ensuring that even a newcomer can understand the significance of a rhythm (tala) or the emotional depth (bhava) behind a movement.
Nurturing Rasikas
We often assume audiences know what they are watching, but my experience suggests otherwise. They are curious, they are waiting to be engaged. Whether I am curating a large-scale event or a boutique workshop, I prioritize these elements:
- Contextualization: Every performance needs a story. I bridge the gap between technical theory and accessible narrative.
- Authenticity: I seek out talent that preserves the fragrance of our traditions, whether it is the rigor of an Odissi guru or the raw energy of Bhangra.
- Engagement: I believe in breaking the fourth wall. My sessions always include Q&A components because art is a living, breathing dialogue.
If you are planning a cultural event or a festival that requires a thoughtful, curated approach to classical and traditional arts, I am happy to discuss how we can bring that vision to life.
Geeta Chandran
I am Geeta Chandran, and for me, curating is a vital part of my life as an artist. I look for stories that need to be told and connect them with audiences who are eager to listen. Whether on stage or in conversation, I am dedicated to keeping our classical traditions alive and relevant.
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