How did an art gallery come to be on the foothills of a glacier?
Project FUEL
We value and collect the life lessons of everyday people,transforming them into impactful educational & artistic project
In the Bageshwar district of Kumaon, Uttarakhand lies the 100-year-old village called Khati, nestled near the Pindari, Kafni, and Sunderdhunga glaciers.
Despite a rich history of culture and traditions, Khati faced multiple challenges like four modes of transport and a trek to reach it! No electricity, no network, and no internet. This led to declining access to basic necessities, a weakening sense of community, and a high risk of migration.
We leveraged the wisdom of the community's residents and the magic of art to save the stories, folktales, and myths that made Khati's culture so special. Poornima Sukumar, muralist extraordinaire, spearheaded the way, creating art for the whole village. She conceptualized murals inspired by the traditional folk art of Kumaon, called 'Aipan,' and combined it with the stories of the people.
Today, Khati is brimming with energy and social visibility The influx of tourists provided traditional artisans with opportunities to hone their skills and secure art commissions. With the construction of a new road network, accessibility to Khati vastly improved, bringing convenience to its residents and visitors alike.
Volunteers, inspired by Khati's transformation, have started including Khati in their trips, spreading the word even more. Khati is shining brighter than ever, showing what a community can do when its stories and art come together.
Are you also looking to preserve community stories and culture through art and wisdom? Let's work together and create an impact!
Reach out to our team member Ayushi at ayushi@projectfuel.in, or visit the link below to share your contact details, and let's explore the possibilities!
To read more about the Wise Wall Project, visit Project FUEL and take a walk through our exhibits on Google Arts & Culture below-