Art of holding hands

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From November 23 to 25, Khirkee Extension and the neighbouring streets will be bustling with countless activities. The three-day community-based art festival Khoj Dus Tak in collaboration with art practitioners and Khirkee community will have 21 projects, 6 events, and artists like musicians, theatre personalities and cooks, all coming together to celebrate the completion of ten years of Khoj — a cultural NGO — in Khirkee Extension.
“Any kind of art intervention, especially that involves a community, makes people appreciate their neighbourhood better.

We hope that the festival will help the community decide on ways in which they can engage with art,” says Malini Kochupillai, one of the participating artists from Khirkee community.
Ranging from an art exhibition, Khirkee shop makeovers, nukkad natak, mural-making, football matches, hip-hop dance-offs, music concert, kavi sammelan, mushaira to Khirkee walks and more such events will feature at the festival.
These events have been developed in collaboration with the community and several art practitioners, says Pooja Sood, director, Khoj. “The festival will have a gamut of activities where artists and communities will come together to address the visible and invisible transformation in their surroundings,” she adds.
One of the interesting projects at the festival, Window into Khirkee, would present the history of Khirkee, with old maps and audio narratives.
Julia Gutge from Germany, who has co-conceptualised the project, says that it was one of her most memorable assignments. “It’s interesting to see how the festival is bringing people together from all religions and age groups. While working here, I found the community very friendly and openhearted,” she says.
Sudeshna Chatterjee, whose Play @ Khirkee, will also be staged, adds, “Children are our future, and the festival wouldn’t be compete without a play involving them.”
Apart from the above, a Photo Studio will be created where residents can get their photographs clicked.
The event is also marked by the inauguration of the newly furbished Khoj building.