Shillong, April 07 : The 3rd edition of the ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp (AIAC) concluded in Shillong with an exhibition at Tripura Castle, where paintings created by 21 artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and India were displayed. Over ten days, these artists engaged in collaborative work, drawing inspiration from Shillong’s landscapes, cultural interactions, and artistic exchanges. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with Seher, AIAC has been a key initiative under India’s Act East Policy.
Speaking on the significance of such initiatives, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, said, “This camp shows the strong cultural and artistic links between India and ASEAN nations. Art has real power, it connects people. Through this effort, we’re strengthening ties that matter, building a foundation for our countries to grow closer.”
Reflecting on the camp’s success, Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder-Director of Seher, said, “As the one who dreamed up this camp, I’ve watched it evolve into something extraordinary. Over ten days, I saw these artists from across borders dive into Shillong’s culture, challenge each other’s ideas, and produce works that pulse with life.
With the conclusion of the camp, the artworks showcased in Shillong will next be exhibited in New Delhi and Malaysia, further extending this cultural exchange beyond borders. The artists return to their home countries with new perspectives, experiences and memories, reinforcing India’s engagement with ASEAN nations through the arts.
