Expressnews
Chennai: The Serendipity Arts Festival returns to Panaji, Goa, from December 15th to 22nd, 2024, for its ninth edition, promising an unparalleled cultural experience that spans diverse artistic disciplines. Founded by Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Serendipity Arts Festival has grown into one of South Asia’s largest and most anticipated arts festivals, offering a unique platform for innovation, interdisciplinary practices, and cultural exchange.
Organised by Serendipity Arts Foundation, an initiative established to promote and nurture the arts, the festival has consistently sought to bring together artists, curators, and audiences in a shared celebration of creativity and cultural exchange. The festival stands as a testament to the vision of the Serendipity Arts Foundation in promoting the arts across disciplines.
This year, a distinguished lineup of curators bring their expertise and vision to 200+ projects, at 22+ venues, ensuring a vibrant and diverse showcase across multiple disciplines:
Enclosed below are key programming highlights for each discipline along with additional special projects that will be showcased at the festival:
Curators for Serendipity Arts Festival 2024
Dance: Geeta Chandran and Jayachandran Palazhy
Visual Arts: Veerangana Solanki and Thukral & Tagra
Music: Zubin Balaporia and Bickram Ghosh
Culinary Arts: Edible Issues
Theatre: Quasar Thakore Padamsee and Sankar Venkateswaran
Craft: Sandeep Sangaru and Kristine Michael
Accessibility: Salil Chaturvedi
Performance Art: Preethi Athreya
Special Projects 2024
Stand-up Comedy: Comedy Wagon
Music in the Art Park: Gaya Tideman
B-Side: Project facilitator: Zequenx
AI Lab: Somewhere Arts
Bhupen In Goa: Gulammohammed Sheikh
Key Programming Highlights:
1. Three Divas | Curated by Bickram Ghosh
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as three iconic voices take the stage to celebrate India’s rich musical heritage. The Three Divasbrings together the unparalleled talents of Usha Uthup, Aruna Sairam, and Shubha Mudgal, each a legend in her own right.
Usha Uthup’s electrifying energy, Aruna Sairam’s soulful classical brilliance, and Shubha Mudgal’s timeless artistry come together in a one-of-a-kind concert that seamlessly blends classical, folk, and contemporary music traditions. With an incredible lineup of accompanying musicians, this performance promises to be a celebration of India’s diverse and vibrant musical legacy.
Powered by Campa for Serendipity Arts Festival’s 9th edition, it’s not just a concert—it’s a journey through decades of extraordinary music, brought to life by three powerhouse voices and the finest instrumentalists. Don’t miss this magical finale night collaboration on the 22 December at the Nagalli Hills Arena, that redefines the boundaries of genre and tradition.
2. Table and Stools | Curated by Quasar Thakore Padamsee & Sankar Venkateswaran
Imagine a simple table and two stools—a humble setup that invites you to share your story. Table and Stools is a listening community born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where people come together to speak and be heard, free from judgement or unsolicited opinions.
This space welcomes everyone—across ages, backgrounds, and experiences—creating an inclusive environment where stories flow freely. From moments of joy and excitement to reflections of grief, guilt, or hope, the tales shared here are as varied as the individuals who tell them. It’s not just about storytelling—it’s about connection, empathy, and the power of being truly listened to.
3. Littoral States of Being | Curated by Preethi Athreya
Littoral States of Being, commissioned by Serendipity Arts Foundation for Serendipity Arts Festival 2024, takes place at Caranzalem Beach, where the land meets the sea. The installation features a forest of bamboo poles, with strange, kite-like figures resembling humans, animals, birds, and insects fluttering in the wind, glowing in the dark.
In the midst of this setup, a masked dancer moves through space, bringing together earth, sea, wind, and breath through their performance. The dancer’s movements evoke mythological stories and connect the physical elements to the energy of the land and sea.
The work is created by visual artist Siva Murugan and Javanese dancer Agung Gunawan, exploring the intersection of movement, space, and natural elements. It’s part of The Labour and Leisure Chronicles, which looks at how public spaces in Panjim are shaped by the activities they host. The installation invites you to experience how spaces evolve through the actions and energy they hold
4. Climate Controlled Dosa Picnic Basket | Curated by Edible Issues
The Dosa is a much-loved Indian dish, famous for its crispy texture, but it’s notoriously difficult to transport because of its delicate nature. Enter the Dosa Picnic Basket by Kinky Kashayam, a creative solution that allows you to enjoy a long, 32” dosa on the go.
This custom-designed wooden machine keeps the dosa warm and intact during transport, thanks to a climate-controlled compartment. Inside, a layer of banana leaves offers a traditional, hygienic surface for serving. The machine also features storage for up to 3 litres of sambar and chutney, making sure everything you need is in one place. When you arrive at your picnic spot, the machine unfolds into a mini table, ready for you to enjoy your perfectly transported dosa in style.
5. THE ALLEY: #NotJustFashion at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024
Step into The Alley at Serendipity Arts Festival 2024—a vibrant marketplace in the heart of Panjim, Goa, where responsible design, artistic innovation, and experiential shopping come together. This isn’t your typical retail experience; it’s a space that celebrates the creativity of emerging designers, established brands, and skilled artisans, all showcasing work that speaks to sustainability, street culture, and bold artistic expression. Featured brands include Abraham and Thakore, Satya Paul, Yam India, Studio Verandah, Manan, among others.
Over the years, Serendipity Arts Festival has embraced the evolving landscape of Goa, spotlighting the transformative power of fashion within our programming. From Wendell Rodricks’ legacy to the elegance of Jamdani, from Chamar Studio’s ingenuity to the heritage of the Pano Bhaju, fashion has been at the heart of the stories we tell. It’s more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of identity, culture, and progress.
The Alley builds on this foundation, offering a platform for designers to share their craft, connect with audiences, and bring their stories to life. With an ever-growing Festival audience, it’s a chance for creators to not only showcase their work but also spark meaningful conversations, drive sales, and inspire support for their future endeavours.
This is the 9th edition of the festival, of which two were digitally hosted in the years 2020 and 2021, respectively.
To know more about the festival and register for free, please visit www.serendipityartsfestival.
