Aiming to integrate creativity with management education by inaugurating the Open Studio which housed over 100+ paintings created during the course of its 10-Day Artist Residency Programme held from 6 November 2024 to 16 November 2024.
Held at the Umsawli campus, the program successfully brought together 16 accomplished artists from institutions across the country, offering them a unique opportunity to live and collaborate with the IIM Shillong community.
The 2nd edition of Artist Residency Program was inaugurated by Shri Shishir Kumar Bajoria Chairman BOG, on 6th November 2024 amongst the presence of the IIM Shillong fraternity.
Organized by Zeitgeist, the institute’s literary, quizzing and activities club, this initiative aims to create a vibrant space for interaction and inspiration, where the worlds of art and management can intersect. The program aspires to bridge disciplinary gaps, fostering innovative ideas and holistic learning to address global business challenges.
During the course of the program, IIM Shillong hosted a keynote session featuring Mr. Jeet Banerjee, Founder of Gameplan Sports Private Ltd., who shared his entrepreneurial journey and valuable insights into the creative industry. Additionally, Dr. Paula Sengupta Member BOG, presented a discussion on her art, delving into themes of domestic space, patriarchy, and the enduring impact of colonialism.
This year’s theme, Misty Musings: The Shifting Landscape, explored the interplay between clarity and obscurity, inviting artists, and the wider IIM Shillong community to look beyond the surface. The mist symbolizes the hidden layers of reality, challenging perceptions and encouraging deeper exploration. It celebrates the transformative power of art to uncover meaning in ambiguity, resonating deeply with the spirit of the residency.
The Open Studio inauguration on 16th November 2024 was graced by Shri Atul Chandrakant Kulkarni Member BOG, Prof. Abhishek Vashisht Chair of Student Affairs, Prof. Rohit Dwivedi, and Samindranath Majumdar, the program’s curator.
The event highlighted the tone of an engaging journey uncovered over the course of 10 days, with discussions highlighting the transformative role of art in shaping perspectives and driving meaningful change.
Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects, the residency provided a platform for both artists and students to explore the profound impact of art on leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. The program highlights IIM Shillong’s commitment to holistic education by integrating artistic expression into the fabric of business management, driving forth responsible and innovative practices.
By fostering critical thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovation, the Artist Residency Programme embodies India's New Education Policy's vision of equipping students with 21st-century skills and perspectives.
This initiative reaffirms IIM Shillong’s dedication to nation-building by fostering a creative ecosystem that nurtures talent and bridges the gap between artistic and managerial disciplines. The residency was an enriching experience, leaving a lasting impact on both the participants and the larger academic community.