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Space118 has further extended its support to the visual arts from being a studio space to now providing grants. It is now a foregone conclusion that in times riddled by the continuous waves of surge and recession of the global COVID Pandemic since 2020, art like all other activities, has turned to new ways of functioning, networking and operating. One of the primary tools is the online space that has allowed artists to be ‘mentored’ through platforms like online webinars and online studios and grants that allow them to continue their art activities
Adapting to these dark times, Space 118, mentored by Saloni Doshi, is also changing its strategy to suit the times. The space was known for providing artist studios and residencies in the heart of the city of Mumbai, until 2019, now inviting applications from artists all across India for a production grant of INR 15,000 to INR 1,00,000 towards the realization of an ongoing or a newly conceived art project.
The grant entails two online mentorship sessions (plus a review session) with a senior or mid-career artist who the jury deems suitable for them. Apart from the grant bursary and the mentorship sessions, the recipients also get to exhibit their work through a vibrant ‘Virtual Open Studio Day’ that will be available to access on Space118’s social media handles– Facebook and Instagram.
“Aimed at nurturing the multidimensional impetus of global art practitioners through creative workshops and residencies for experimentation in the visual arts and art making in Mumbai; until 2019, we were, on a short-term basis as a part of our commitment to supporting emerging art practitioners from all parts of the country and the world. Owing to the pandemic and keeping up with the changing times, we are now a Grant-Making Organization, still fervently motivated to provide opportunities for emerging artists,” says Doshi.
We are informed that both individual artists and artist groups can apply; however, the grant amount is the same for groups as for individuals. The proposed budget will not be considered final until vetted by the Jury and Space118 in consultation with the selected grantee before the commencement of the grant.
Founded in 2009, Space118 aims to educate and expose emerging visual arts practitioners to various art forms, provide opportunities to those who have limited access to inter-disciplinary exchange programs and contribute towards their enrichment.
“Like last year, the awardees have had successful projects and we have seen that there are a lot of benefits of having the grant and for now it is the structure that we are following. I would not say that we are giving up on the idea of the residency but with a resurgence of the infection looming large it is not time to re-launch the physical space yet,” says Doshi. One can also look forward to the fundraiser show and the running of the grant; they are happy to do this to support the artists who have shared their experiences via their voiceovers and takeovers on Instagram and Facebook.
Last year’s awardees were artists Anirudh Shaktawat, Divya Singh, MM Shahwath, Neha Kudchadkar, Sarmistha Bose, Shashank Peshawaria and Tapan Moharana. We saw projects that looked at art that was online as well as art that was physically present. Art that looked at issue-based matters as well as aesthetic concerns. We are eagerly awaiting this year’s awardees and program.
Text by Georgina Maddox
Images courtesy: Space118 and Divya Singh, M.M. Shashwath, Tapan Moharana, Neha Kudchadkar