Artists Unite! Movement: At the Red Fort in Delhi, a creative protest against politics of hate and oppression
Artists Unite! was a nationwide creative protest, where artists across many different genres came together, on the same weekend, in 13 different cities across India, to stand up for democracy
)
Artists Unite! was a nationwide creative protest, where artists across many different genres came together, on the same weekend, in 13 different cities across India, to stand up for democracy and against the politics of oppression and hate. The Red Fort made a dramatic backdrop for this creative protest, especially since this is also the place where the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day.
The Delhi chapter took place in front of the iconic historic Red Fort, where over 25,000 people came out to watch over 300 artists, writers, filmmakers,musicians, actors and poets using their creative gifts of performance across six stages, to speak of unity, democracy, togetherness and of an India that belongs to all its citizens.
Dewar-e-Aks , a photo wall of 10 photographers’ images on the common theme of political struggle.
Dhruv Sangari, a well known Sufi musician and qawwali singer, classically trained by the renowned maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khansaheb.
Performance initiated by Deepan Sivaraman, the words were slowly ‘marched’ through the event space throughout both days of the festival and were a real visual stand out.
Bass Foundation Roots is a New Delhi based authentic Jamaican style sound system, owned and operated by Delhi Sultanate & Begum X, who is seenperforming here.
Enhanced chess performance talking about the dangers of violence with non-traditional chess pieces made out of wax by Smita Urmila Rajmane.
A dinosaur from the Katkatha puppeteers who walked and danced through the festival, entertaining the crowds.
Vivan Sundaram, who is one of Indian’s most prolific contemporary artists and active political voices, attending the festival.
Poster wall featuring the declaration text behind the Artists Unite! Movement, as well as posters by many different artists from across the country. The image in the front of the large woman with the spray can is by Kochi based artist Guess Who.