Viewpoint
How Art Connects Communities Beyond Galleries
Artists share their perspectives on making art accessible for everyone, the challenges they’ve faced, and their hopes for a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Art has long been confined to curated spaces like galleries and museums, accessible to a select few. But what happens when art moves beyond these boundaries, onto streets, walls, and public spaces? We spoke to Arshad Sayyed, Harshvardhan Kadam, and Lokesh Karekar about their views on Hanif Kureshi’s thought, “Art should be accessible to everyone.” From murals at hospitals to street art festivals and technology’s role in breaking barriers, their insights reveal how accessible art can spark dialogue, foster inclusivity, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.
What does the idea of accessible art mean to you, personally? Why do you feel that making art accessible is important in today’s world?
Arshad: Accessible art is all about interactive and inclusive activity. We need the art to be seen and experienced by the common man. Art is all about connection, I prefer art in public spaces that serves the purpose. Art in public spaces or community projects creates shared experiences and fosters a sense of belonging. It encourages dialogue and understanding between different groups, breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.
Harshvardhan: Back in the time, royal patronages initiated, supported and propagated cultural evolution. Globally, this has resulted in diverse literature, architecture, arts, spirituality and a healthy economic disbursement. The world has moved on from that era, and so has our innate connection to the subtle sensitivity and response to this beauty called culture. We exist in a new culture but have forgotten the values of ancient wisdom. The honest works of art, whether in the form of theatre, films, architecture, or public art, remain deprived of a vast potential audience. There’s a separation between audiences and work. To bridge this separation between art, public art, audience and patronage and to build strong and sensible humans, it is important to make art accessible.
Lokesh: In my view, accessible art is art readily available to a wide range of audiences on a common platform. Public art projects designed with a specific purpose help showcase diverse perspectives and promote inclusivity. By making art accessible, we not only celebrate creativity but also educate and empower individuals with different viewpoints, fostering empathy among them.
Have you created or participated in any projects to bring art into public spaces? How did this experience shape your views on accessibility in art?
Arshad: Yes! I worked on street art at the G20 Summit in 2022 near Bandra Reclamation. I noticed that pedestrians were watching our artwork closely and engaging with the artists. Whether they were students, senior citizens, or vegetable vendors, everyone found some level of connection with the art or the artist. As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to make the common person aware of the creative aspects of life.
Harshvardhan: It’s so satisfying to share stories I’m interested in with people where I make an artwork only to realise that these stories are also cherished by people, regardless of religion, gender, age, caste or creed. I feel like a part of them, and they are a part of me. Stories tie us together. What more can one ask for?
Lokesh: In my third year of art school at J.J. Applied Art, one of our professors offered us the opportunity to hand-paint a section of the government hospital. The task was to beautify the NICU ward, where premature babies are kept in incubators. A group of 5-6 art students and I spent four days painting the walls with colourful, cute illustrations. This effort transformed the previously stark white walls of the hospital into a cheerful space. We realised how art can change an environment and uplift the atmosphere, particularly for the visitors waiting outside the ward.
What challenges have you faced or noticed in efforts to make art accessible to a broader audience? How did you work to overcome these barriers?
Arshad: I would like to make a special mention of Mr. Hanif Kureshi. We both share a passion for commercial art and 15 years ago, the concept of street art was quite unfamiliar in our city. Our approach to art intersects in typography, street culture, and community-based initiatives, which means we faced similar challenges. One major issue is the lack of investment in non-profitable causes, as many people are reluctant to fund them. Additionally, many communities struggle to appreciate or understand the value of such initiatives. A significant obstacle we encounter is political censorship, which undermines the very essence of freedom of expression.
Harshvardhan: Well, sponsorships often help resolve many issues, but they come with expectations, such as the requirement to display sponsors’ logos or branding. It’s important to be prepared for these adjustments if the work can provide value to a wider audience. Dreams can come to fruition through these changes, but one must also consider what adjustments are truly worth making.
Lokesh: I think some organisations and brands are doing great work by raising funds for public art projects connecting the right people and making art accessible to the broader audience. However, one significant hurdle is financial constraints - securing adequate funding for public art projects can be difficult, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. Organisations like St+art India have done exceptional work in setting up art festivals and transforming public spaces through murals and collaborations with artists. Museums and galleries should spread awareness and encourage common people and find more occasions to engage like art weeks or festivals open for common people. There should be efforts made to tastefully curate the public beautification projects handled by government or corporation bodies.
