IIM Shillong hosts Artist Residency Programme to blend art and management education

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 17, 2024

IIM Shillong successfully hosted the second edition of its Artist Residency Programme from November 6 to November 16, 2024, at its Umsawli campus. The program culminated in the inauguration of an Open Studio showcasing over 100 paintings created during the 10-day residency.

Bringing together 16 accomplished artists from institutions across India, the program offered a unique opportunity for participants to live and collaborate with the IIM Shillong community. Organized by Zeitgeist, the institute’s literary, quizzing, and activities club, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between art and management, fostering innovation and holistic learning to address global business challenges.

The residency was inaugurated on November 6 by Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, in the presence of the IIM Shillong fraternity. The program featured engaging sessions, including a keynote by Jeet Banerjee, founder of Gameplan Sports Private Ltd., who shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the creative industry. Additionally, Paula Sengupta, a Board of Governors member, led a discussion exploring themes of domestic space, patriarchy, and colonialism through her art.

Themed Misty Musings: The Shifting Landscape, the residency explored the interplay between clarity and obscurity, encouraging deeper reflection on hidden realities. The theme symbolized the transformative power of art to challenge perceptions and uncover meaning in ambiguity.

The Open Studio inauguration on November 16 was graced by Board of Governors member Atul Chandrakant Kulkarni, Prof. Abhishek Vashisht, Chair of Student Affairs, Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, and program curator Samindranath Majumdar. The event highlighted the program’s role in shaping perspectives and driving meaningful change through artistic engagement.

Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects, the residency emphasized the profound impact of art on leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. It underscored IIM Shillong’s commitment to integrating artistic expression into business education, aligning with India’s New Education Policy by equipping students with 21st-century skills.

This initiative reaffirms the institute’s dedication to fostering a creative ecosystem that bridges artistic and managerial disciplines, leaving a lasting impact on participants and the broader academic community.