Our friends from Gaysi (Mumbai) were visiting Bangalore, so besides getting to spend time with them, we also managed host a super-fun queer reading party of children's picture books with them! The session was open to both adults and children. We had some amazing books by the Gaysi family, Pratham Books, Penguin, and some international book houses. We read individually, as well as together, and followed it up with some gentle discussions that were emotional and inspiring. A Sunday morning done right, soaking in gentle moments of exploration of identity, family, love, and queerness!
WITH DEEPIKA ARWIND
In a bid to demystify poetry we decided to program a poetry reading (and writing) workshop at our studio titled: Poetry is for everyone. We invited our long time friend and collaborator Deepika Arwind, herself a well known poet, playwright and performer to lead the workshop.Over three hours, we read, experienced, and wrote (attempted at least) poetry under Deepika's gentle guidance. On a relaxed Saturday morning we explored different kinds of poems together and spoke about poetry as a form and how it moves us. Deepika also guided us through a poetry writing exercise, giving us prompts and eliciting some truly wonderful writing from everyone. We also discovered that sometimes, making time to write is the only way to write consistently.
Thank you, Deepika, and a round of applause to all the participants. We can't wait to have you back in our space!
What a pleasure it was to host Conflictorium at 345! Over two days, we screened Dhananjai Sinha's directorial 'A Sound Democracy: Music, Movement & A Mob', a documentary that delves into the complex relationship between sound and collective behaviour and the significant role it plays in shaping our social landscape. As a film that is centred on sound and its contemporary implications, 'A Sound Democracy' was also screened privately for invited musicians and music producers. A post-film chat with the Conflictorium team followed each screening, opening up the floor and holding space for interesting observations, fresh viewpoints, discomfiting-but-extremely-necessary conversations, and through it all, shared learning.
We also got to play MatBhed, a board game designed to navigate the complexities of religious freedom and belief in India!
A lot of reflection and beautiful conversations with Dhananjai Sinha, Pranoy Kanojia, YSK Prerana, and Aayush Chandrawanshi - thank you, Conflictorium, and here's to more such sessions!
We hosted two screenings of this year’s selection of Five Films For Freedom, in collaboration with The Queer Muslim Project, on 22nd March 2024. Five Films For Freedom is the world’s widest-reaching digital celebration of LGBTQIA+ themed short films organised by British Council and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival in support of LGBTQIA+ rights. This year's selection included heartwarming and personal stories from India, the Philippines, Spain, the USA and the UK.
STORYTELLING WITH SHUBHA DAS
We hosted a storytelling session with Shubha Das on 17th March. The storyteller reflected on her childhood memories and took the audience through a guided imagery exercise, which enabled them to engage with their own memories.
FIRST OPEN HOUSE
345, our new studio opened with a relaxed afternoon of wall painting, gardening, origami and stitching. There was books and banter, food, fun and more. We welcomed friends, collaborators, supporters and neighbours into the space. 345 will host a permanent Feminist Library and monthly talks and reading sessions besides artist showcases and open house sessions for the local community. Watch this space for updates and schedules.
WITH NAUSHEEN KHAN
Our first screening was Land of my Dreams, an independent film by film maker Nausheen Khan. We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to what is envisaged as a community-led artists' space.