The inaugural “Art Fest” under the theme “Beyond the Canvas” commenced on September 2 at Art Street Corner, Old SM College building, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur. Organized by the second-year students of Vanguard Studios, in association with the Wandering Minds Institute of Fine Arts, the three-day event will conclude on September 4. The festival offers a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, spanning from traditional paintings to digital art.
The event primarily features artworks created by the students, alongside contributions from other local artists. It aims to foster a collaborative community of art lovers, families, and locals, while providing opportunities for artists to gain recognition and engage more actively with society.
The festival’s focus is on promoting traditional painting and sketching, disciplines that often lack the visibility of commercial arts. Despite challenges faced by the organizing students, including limited experience in hosting public events, they successfully raised funds and garnered sponsorships from local businesses such as Paradigm Print House, Qwerty Station, and Mix-Pick Enterprise, among others.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The students formed a management team, assigning roles and responsibilities based on individual interests to ensure the smooth operation of the festival. Their efforts reflect a determination to make the Art Fest an annual event, with plans to introduce new elements to future editions.
Wandering Minds Institute’s Administrator, Lanutemsu, shared future aspirations to expand the festival into a state-wide celebration and, potentially, to include artists from across the northeast region. The event seeks to bridge the gap between artists and society, offering exposure, networking opportunities, and practical experience for emerging talents.
Over 80 emerging artists and five well-established guest artists, including Tetsong, Temjenart, Suidi_Zel, Colourchef, and Jongpong, are participating in the event. Art pieces are available for purchase, with prices ranging from INR 500 to INR 80,000, reflecting a diverse spectrum of talent and creativity. Additionally, the event features stalls selling accessories, jewellery, tote bags, and more.
The Art Fest also includes live performances, workshops, and networking sessions, creating an inclusive environment that encourages interaction between artists, collectors, and enthusiasts. It aims to support emerging artists by providing a platform to showcase their work and gain the recognition they deserve.
Founded on March 26, 2018, Wandering Minds Institute of Fine Arts is an esteemed art guild located in Dimapur, Nagaland, dedicated to nurturing and promoting the creative talents of artists in and around the region. Recognized under the Government of Nagaland and affiliated with the Global Open University, the institute offers comprehensive training in various fine arts disciplines. With a focus on both traditional and contemporary art forms, Wandering Minds aims to elevate the status of fine arts through its diverse programs, workshops, and collaborations with local and national art communities. The institute provides students with professional opportunities, entrepreneurship skills, and industry-relevant training, ensuring they are well-equipped to make a significant impact in the cultural and economic landscape of Nagaland and beyond.
