Just merely spreading awareness about a cause doesn’t help much in a world governed by money. And so, for the cause of tigers, an art initiative, Artiger is trying to raise funds as well as spread the word.
The initiative commenced by three friends — Swapan Seth (managing partner, Henry S Clark), Aparajita Jain (director, Gallery Seven Arts Limited) and Nandita Baig (founder member of the NGO YouthReach), who devised Artiger after their visit to London where they saw the Elephant Parade.
“At the Elephant Parade, we realised how bringing together creative people on one platform can make a huge difference. As soon as we returned, we got on with the project and approached more than 57 artists. Surprisingly, everybody agreed to become a part of it,” shares Swapan.
“It took just 48 hours to get everything in order. We spoke to 50 corporate houses, who bought the artworks to raise funds and finally approached the Delhi Government who not only appreciated the project but also gave us public spaces to display the works,” says Nandita, adding that the works would be displayed at various public places for more than two months. The places includes DLF — Emporio, Select Citywalk, OWH – IHC, Epicentre, Park Hotel, PVR Ambience, Modern School Barakhamba road, Satyam Cineplexes, Vasant Valley, Dilli Haat, CM’s residence and office, ISBT, Nehru Park, Domestic Airport among others.
Delhiites too welcome this initiative with enthusiasm. Ritika Vohra, a literature student of DU, says, “Paintings of tigers at public places would not only create awareness, but also inspire many to do something for the cause.”
Another college student Mittali Saxena thinks that the places where these artworks would be displayed have been chosen smartly.