---
title: "Curating Cultural Festivals and Artistic Programs"
description: "Looking for expert artistic curation? As a cultural curator, I build bridges between traditions and audiences. Explore my approach to festival programming and creating immersive cultural experiences for rasikas."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/curating-events-nurturing-a-community-of-rasikas
last_updated: 2025-09-22
---

# Curating Cultural Festivals and Art Programs

Tribe Verified · Curating legacy festivals for Indian arts.

By [Geeta Chandran](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta) · Travels across Delhi NCR and pan-India for workshops and speaking engagements · ₹45K Per Session (2 Hours) (estimate)

Part of [Educational Workshops & Speaking Engagements](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/gallery)

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.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: A glimpse into the energy of the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, where I curated three different presentations, from Odissi to Bhangra.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/06648a44-bee6-47bf-83e6-d326d4ac0d39)
- ![A wide view of the 'LEGENDS' session I curated at Serendipity Arts Festival, celebrating the iconic Guru Kumudini Lakhia.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/90d2cf5c-397e-45de-aef2-e014e52492af)
- ![A selfie moment with my dear friends and fellow artists after the session honouring Kumudini Lakhia. These are the moments that build our community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7a1326b9-6879-42c0-b4b3-6bc42f5e1ceb)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0abc3849-7015-40d8-bcf6-54eb337d8896)
- ![On stage with the artists of the 'LEGENDS' session. It is my honour to create platforms that celebrate the guru-shishya parampara.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91fa164a-3e4a-4a73-ab5f-846b977989f7)
- ![A moment of pure joy and laughter with fellow dancers. The arts community is a family, and I cherish these connections.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7ab988d0-bdfe-468f-8da5-2bf7f99ee544)
- ![In conversation with Guru Ratikant Mohapatra for the 'Legacy and Continuum' session, focusing on the work of his father, the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96442a81-028c-4c3d-9f7d-fcc90f0ac4d2)
- ![As a curator, my role is to guide the conversation and bring out the stories that audiences need to hear.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/972d402f-3ac1-48e5-8ae0-e7c5fa1288e3)
- ![With the dancers of Srjan and Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. This curated session included a film, a dialogue, and a live performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf6d8443-2003-454a-ba7e-32f5f0e1caf3)
- ![The dancers of Srjan performing a piece choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, bringing his legacy to life on stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/63b2a0a4-0a9b-4d8e-8958-0fe97b9a90fc)
- ![Guru Ratikant Mohapatra demonstrating a movement, sharing the nuances of the Odissi style passed down to him.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1b4fdfc-c657-4f4d-bc57-404073891e3b)
- ![With a fellow art enthusiast at the Serendipity Arts Festival. Festivals are a wonderful place to connect with other rasikas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/00d5dc0c-9c93-46ff-bb27-6d508438d911)
- ![With Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and a friend. Curating is also about building bridges between artists and traditions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d41e11a-2c98-47de-b4e9-d3980713dd1a)
- ![The 'Rangla Punjab' Bhangra troupe I curated for Serendipity. My search for an authentic group led me to Balkar Sidhu, who brought the true fragrance of Punjab to the stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db0d2e78-0d23-48bf-b5c2-2c279d33fc75)
- ![The vibrant energy of Bhangra on the main stage at Serendipity. Curating allows me to present a diverse range of India's performing arts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e7af511-a5d0-486b-81b8-35f168c5a287)
- ![The women of the 'Rangla Punjab' troupe performing with infectious joy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2c08beec-cddd-49cf-b087-a208382bfd3f)
- ![The entire Bhangra troupe celebrating on stage. It was a performance full of joie de vivre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b3c7dbcc-0ed5-4c82-93c5-9e0806a11898)
- ![With the artists of the Bhangra troupe backstage. It was a pleasure to bring their energy to a new audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7322e5a-d23d-4622-8637-32fe322ad911)
- ![The finale of the 'Rangla Punjab' performance. Balle Balle!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef737747-d045-4035-8ff3-e699ec132b0a)
- ![A senior artist from the Bhangra troupe, embodying the spirit of Punjab.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/281f345e-3ac2-4eef-b425-e0487d172a6b)
- ![The poster for "Songs of the Millstone," a performance I conceptualised, created, and directed, commissioned by the Serendipity Arts Festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/915d2deb-b60f-4825-88cd-843dbbc03e5d)
- [Video: A promotional video for "Songs of the Millstone," which explores traditional women's work songs through dance and music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84f34b31-7988-48fc-95bd-7adce9903fd8)
- ![A press clipping from the Heraldo (Goa) covering "Songs of the Millstone," highlighting the performance as a tribute to the domestic work of women.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da867475-b6c2-40bf-89d2-58ab22928cb3)
- ![The full cast and crew of "Songs of the Millstone." My vision was realised by this amazing team of dancers, musicians, and technicians.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bc8e68f-0bac-4d26-b19b-6317bcecdd29)
- ![Divya Goswami's moving performance in 'AQEEDAT', a Kathak piece I curated for Serendipity. The pot installation was also part of my curation, weaving in the work of local Goan potters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71a6e743-359d-4d68-929a-2e1d851ce6ef)
- ![Congratulating Divya Goswami after her powerful performance. Mentoring and presenting young artists is a core part of my curatorial work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23e01225-d2d3-459d-a119-11cb1f8e9c23)
- ![A beautiful shot of the dancer against the pot installation, a visual metaphor central to the story of Sohni and Mahiwal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/056e4b95-72f3-4d99-a6d2-bf597cf18d24)
- ![The dramatic lighting and stage design for 'AQEEDAT'. As a curator, I am involved in all aspects of the production to ensure a powerful audience experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6fdf8000-583b-4c78-9f08-80849a8a82a1)
- ![The full artistic team of 'AQEEDAT'. A successful production is always a result of extraordinary collaboration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/386174f0-acf4-4402-abfe-49a18c4700dc)
- ![With the incredible Parvathy Baul, whom I was delighted to present at the Serendipity Arts Festival as part of my curation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c93cbbd7-28f6-4ed5-a7dd-7a31c4767a45)
- ![Interacting with fellow jury members and artists at the Classical Mentorship Grant presentations at Serendipity Arts Festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/471a698a-06d4-4f14-aebd-139686097d49)
- ![In conversation with fellow artists and organisers. These festivals are hubs of creative energy and dialogue.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a41ff2f-61b4-4cc0-bd20-882a22342d37)
- ![The poster for the Natya Vriksha World Dance Day Lecture by Shri Ashok Vajpeyi, an event I curate annually.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6edc0e0e-5ced-4a04-8e1f-7503a3b62535)
- ![Honouring the esteemed poet and critic Ashok Vajpeyi at the World Dance Day Lecture I hosted.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e9d6f3b4-2f33-49f1-9875-5e7dac0a9e36)
- ![A view of the engaged audience at the lecture. My goal is to host events that are stimulating and thought-provoking for the entire arts community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4cb0dfd3-345a-49a3-8d2a-44976cc3c944)
- ![The Q&A session, where senior artists and young students alike engage in a dialogue, is always the most rewarding part.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b075f7b4-8bc5-4dab-a09c-097b0062af15)
- ![The view from the audience as Ashok Vajpeyi delivers his lecture, "Dancing Away," at the India International Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb03b692-58ab-41e4-9108-4775c55fe83b)
- ![Odissi dancer Shashwati Garai Ghosh, who closed my Natya Vriksha Young Dancers Festival for World Dance Day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17d9eebc-bf57-41f4-9b48-afcef017ba33)
- ![Another dynamic shot of Shashwati's unique and high-octane Odissi performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3e4efb3-d310-4240-ab41-7c1bb9a084e3)
- ![Congratulating Shashwati after her performance. Providing a platform for young, talented dancers is the mission of this festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a61c1601-219c-4711-9218-0430c959fe12)
- ![A powerful close-up of Shashwati's abhinaya. The festival showcases a variety of classical styles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e448ffa-2e16-4295-86d6-d1bdf50f760d)
- ![The expressive eyes and hands of an Odissi dancer, captured during the Young Dancers Festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b29fc95-e079-4cd4-b49c-6ed5d5c57c6c)
- ![A seated pose from the Odissi recital, showing grace and control.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/79bb6d58-f476-4166-bf3c-2366af5fcc10)
- ![Kuchipudi dancer Abhinaya Nagajothy, who performed on the second day of the festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60e06355-9003-418e-8e63-fa5c6b5c850d)
- ![Abhinaya Nagajothy's recital was a perfect example of tradition delivered with conviction and aplomb.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef060415-c13b-48ed-b611-9a9b32896cb2)
- ![A close-up of the Kuchipudi artist, showcasing the intricate costume and expression. BRAVO!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3b657136-a5ed-4f86-a64d-a3759ebf7539)
- ![Bestowing the Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Kiran Seth, founder of SPIC MACAY.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fe59af2-9e98-48da-b26b-f862ad6156c9)
- ![A group photo with the volunteers of SPIC MACAY, who collectively accepted the award in the true spirit of the organization.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38f2e512-db16-4270-86a6-40648bdc2d86)
- ![Honouring a senior volunteer from SPIC MACAY. My own engagement with this wonderful organization began in 1980.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/443f9299-f95c-456c-a258-d46bf28aa285)
- ![A celebratory moment on stage as we honour 45 years of SPIC MACAY's service to the arts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e14e5ae4-8c5b-4680-b414-ff1671e190e3)
- ![With the wonderful Tanusree Shankar, who conducted a workshop on the Uday Shankar style of movement as part of our World Dance Day celebrations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2730774a-0c2d-4cda-906a-44ab1b0417f3)
- ![The workshop in session, with 70 participants immersed in a new form of dance and movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/400c18e6-71a1-48e8-beb7-9453ca0fd152)

## 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.

## About 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.

[See all of Geeta Chandran's services](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta)

## More from Educational Workshops & Speaking Engagements by Geeta Chandran

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/featured)
- [Speaking Engagements: From Classrooms to Cultural Forums](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/speaking-engagements-from-classrooms-to-cultural-forums)
- [Lec-Dems: Making Classical Dance Accessible](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/lec-dems-making-classical-dance-accessible)
- [Immersive Workshops & Masterclasses](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/immersive-workshops-masterclasses)
- [Awards & Recognition](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/awards-recognition)
- [In the Media & In Conversation](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/in-the-media-in-conversation)
- [Additional Work & Community Moments](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/educational-workshops-speaking-engagements/additional-work-community-moments)

## More services by Geeta Chandran

- [Bharatanatyam Training & Mentorship](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/bharatanatyam-training-mentorship)
- [Bharatanatyam Performances](https://mytribe.in/chandrangeeta/bharatanatyam-performances)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Designing Large-Scale Cultural Experiences](https://mytribe.in/pallavi_md/music-composition-direction/curating-cultural-experiences) by Pallavi MD · Music Composition & Direction · Available Online; Projects in Bengaluru & India
- [Event Curation & Large-Scale Cultural Productions](https://mytribe.in/snehakappanna/folk-dance-consultancy-curation/event-curation-large-scale-productions) by Sneha Kappanna · Folk Dance Consultancy & Curation · Consultations in JP Nagar; Projects across India
- [International Dance Events & Cultural Showcases](https://mytribe.in/meghasampat/dance-competition-festival-organization/global-stages-from-riyadh-to-the-world) by Megha Sampat Kini · Dance Competition & Festival Organization · Office in Thane West; Organizes events across Mumbai and India
- [Expert Artist Curation and Live Music Performances](https://mytribe.in/djmocity/music-event-curation-management/artist-curation-live-performances) by DJ MoCity · Music Event Curation & Management · Travels across India, UAE, and Riyadh for events
- [Artistic & Cultural Dance Productions](https://mytribe.in/javed_sanadi/event-choreography/artistic-cultural-showpieces) by Javed Sanadi · Event Choreography · Travels across Mumbai and pan-India for events
- [Collaborative Bharatanatyam & Thematic Dance Productions](https://mytribe.in/shreyasigopinath/dance-performances-productions/collaborative-works-special-projects) by Shreyasi Gopinath · Dance Performances & Productions · Available for performances across Delhi NCR and India

## Book

To book Geeta Chandran, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Geeta%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20work%20on%20festival%20curation%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20potential%20project.%20Could%20we%20talk%20about%20your%20approach%3F)