About the Program
India’s visual folk art traditions represent centuries of cultural memory, regional identity, and artisanal knowledge. However, many of these art forms face challenges such as declining patronage, lack of inter-regional exposure, and limited platforms for collaboration.
The One State One Artist initiative is conceived as a
national-level cultural program aimed at celebrating, preserving, and re-contextualising India’s diverse folk and traditional visual arts. The program will bring together one selected artisan per art form from across India, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and creative exchange.
This residential workshop will be hosted in Manali,
offering a focused and immersive environment that encourages collaboration while being rooted in nature and cultural reflection. The initiative is organised by the Art Gallery by Prakash Garg and is scheduled from May 01 to 09, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
1
Citizenship
Must be an Indian Citizen
2
Age Limit
18 to 35 Years
Program Highlights
Key Activities
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Story Telling
These sessions bridge the gap between technique and tradition. Master artisans showcase the intricate physical process of their craft while narrating the folklore and history that give the symbols meaning. This dual approach ensures that the "soul" of the art is preserved alongside the technical skill.
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Art Collaboration
By blending distinct styles—such as Gond’s intricate lines with Madhubani’s vibrant borders—artists break traditional silos. These experiments foster a new visual language, encouraging creators to step outside their comfort zones and discover how different regional identities can harmonize within a single aesthetic framework.
Group Discussion
These dialogues tackle the modern artisan's dilemma: staying true to roots while remaining commercially viable. Participants analyze market trends, intellectual property rights, and digital outreach, brainstorm ways to protect ancient techniques from fading, and ensure that folk art evolves to meet contemporary global demands.
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Experimental Art
This activity culminates in a physical manifesto of unity. Multiple artists contribute their unique regional signatures to a single, large-scale canvas. This "integrated tradition" piece serves as a powerful symbol of India’s cultural diversity, proving that individual heritage can contribute to a larger, cohesive national narrative.
Cultural Programs
This vibrant showcase brings the intangible heritage of India to life through traditional music, dance, and regional performances. By integrating rhythmic movement and oral melodies with visual arts, the program celebrates the holistic nature of folk culture, providing an immersive sensory experience that honors the community’s living traditions.
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Team Building
Cultural exchange flourishes best in relaxed, organic environments. Utilizing nature-based settings helps artists reconnect with the source of many folk inspirations—the natural world. These sessions build trust and empathy among participants, turning a group of individual creators into a supportive, interconnected community of practitioners.
