For making a documentary video film on the shadow puppet theatre of south India. The film will record the lives of shadow puppeteers, examine the performative and technical aspects of their art, and attempt to identify useful comparisons and intersections between shadow puppetry and cinema.
For sorting, classifying and cataloguing the personal papers of Satyajit Ray. Digital copies of this monumental archive of textual, graphic and audio material will be made available through a website as an interactive multi-media product. The project is also expected to generate an exhibition titled ‘The World of Satyajit Ray’.
For research towards an illustrated book on itinerant toymakers from various parts of the country. The study will document the lifestyles and craft of toymakers and identify possible measures to alleviate their lot. The research is expected to lead to published articles as well as lecture demonstrations and workshops on toy making.
For ethnographic video documentation of the temple oracles of Kerala. The resulting film will probe the collective dimension of ritual performance, critique its contemporary aesthetic functions and inquire into the possible neurological and scientific aspects of trance.
For research into Indian ceramic art practice in the nineteenth century. The study will focus on the implications of European trade for the Indian potter, the art school ethos and changing styles in Indian ceramic ware. It is expected to result in databases, a curatorial text and an illustrated book.
For developing and implementing, in collaboration with the Rewachand Bhojwani Academy, Pune, an arts programme that would lead to an arts education curriculum. Besides introducing students to local culture via the arts through a series of workshops, the programme seeks to make an impact on the staff and parents as well.
For an assessment of perspectives on arts education, reflected in the syllabi and teaching practices of a range of schools and a teacher-training institute in New Delhi. The study will attempt to uncover significant aspects of arts education policy and highlight efforts towards enlightened arts pedagogy and better evaluation mechanisms.
