Aha! Kollective is a unique fair that fosters imagination, inspiration and collaboration. The fair is an extension of Agastya International Foundation’s Dhwani Media-on-a-Bike program, empowering government school children in India to express their creativity. Children participating in the fair showcase original films, photographs, and stories, sharing their voices and celebrating their artistic skills. The fair also features creative and immersive installations through which children’s works are reimagined and transformed, showcasing new interpretations. A display of professional artworks and photographs alongside children’s creations act as inspiration and demonstrate the impact of storytelling and artistic expression. Accompanying the gallery spaces are creative workshops and performances, which are aimed at sparking creativity and fostering collaboration.
About Aha! Kollective
Agastya’s vibrant young instructors will lead the fair, guiding you through each experience and inspiring the creativity of all who attend. This two-day event promises to ignite imagination and highlight the endless possibilities of artistic expression.
The fair has been curated by Jinal Sangoi, a visual artist and educator who explores creative methodologies through participatory and collaborative practices that integrate art, design, pedagogy, and community. Since 2019, she has designed and led workshops for children and teachers, including those at the Kala Ghoda Festival and Kala Kootami with Agastya International Foundation. A CalArts alumna, she is currently the co-director of the Council for Arts and Social Practice and teaches at IIT Bombay. A recipient of the Arts for Good Fellowship, Gender Bender Grant, and Tim Disney Prize, she has exhibited and taught worldwide, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue through art and education.
What is the challenge?
-
Theme: Imagination and Inspiration.
-
Challenge: Remix or recreate children’s works into creative, exhibits or visual media.
-
Resources Provided: Space and a power source.
-
Prototype Requirements: Focus on sustainability, futuristic thinking, and eco-friendly design.
-
One member from each team must register and submit a proposal. Proposals should be based on the children's work.
-
Emails will be sent to all selected individuals/teams, and a one-month time period will be given to create the installation.
-
Installations should be submitted by 25th January 2024.
-
Individuals/teams must set up their installation at the venue on the finale date. At least one member of the team must be present with the installation during the fair.
-
The fair will take place over two days.
-
Food and refreshments will be provided for the team during the fair. Teams must inform the organizers of their availability in advance.
How to participate?
Links to Children's Works and Guidelines
-
Links to the Children's works
-
Guidelines for Proposals
-
Selection of Work:
Choose one or more works from the provided links as inspiration for your installation. -
Remix and Recreate:
Take inspiration from the selected work(s), remix them, and transform the ideas into a creative, interactive, and immersive 3D installation. -
Highlight Your Inspiration:
Clearly mention the inspiration behind your proposal. Explain how the chosen work(s) influenced your concept. -
Submission Format:
-
A brief concept note
-
Sketches or photos of your proposed installation
-
Description of the interactivity and engagement elements
-
How innovative and imaginative the concept is.
-
How unique and fresh the idea feels.
-
How practical and well-executed the installation is.
-
How attractive and eye-catching the design is.
-
How engaging and interactive it is, especially for children.
Your proposals will be evaluated based on:
-
Who Can Apply: College students - Mixed-media, sculptors, designers, and creative individuals with exciting ideas.
-
Individual or Teams ( Max of 5 people )
Eligibility
Project Proposal Requirements
Your project proposal should include the following:
-
A Concept Note explaining your idea and objectives
-
Sketches or Photos showcasing your design concepts
-
Any relevant details that help illustrate your project’s vision
-
Format: All documents should be submitted in PDF format.
-
Language: submissions have to be in English language
Submission Guidelines
FAQ
-
No, reimbursement will not be provided for transportation and prototyping costs. Participants are responsible for these expenses.
-
-
Yes, each team is responsible for transporting, setting up, and assembling their installation at the venue. Only space and a power point will be provided.
-
-
How innovative and imaginative the concept is.
-
How unique and fresh the idea feels.
-
How practical and well-executed the installation is.
-
How attractive and eye-catching the design is.
-
How engaging and interactive it is, especially for children.
-
No, the application and participation in the competition are completely free of charge.
Plagiarism is strictly not tolerated. Any participant found copying work or submitting plagiarized content will be disqualified from the competition. Originality and creativity are highly encouraged.
Yes, all artistic installations must be child-friendly. Any content that includes:
-
Inappropriate material
-
Violence
Adult content
will not be accepted. All submissions should be suitable for a young, diverse audience.-
The competition is open to students enrolled in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs in fields related to design, art, media, or technology.
