International Collaborations

"CULTURAL NEXUS"

India–UK Cultural Exchange & International Art ExhibitionWith "SUP" – Something Useful Project 
Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University

An international cultural exchange and art exhibition project was successfully undertaken by Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, in collaboration with SUP – Something Useful Project, UK. The initiative was aimed at promoting cross-cultural dialogue, international exposure, interdisciplinary learning, and artistic exchange between India and the United Kingdom.

As part of the project, more than 87 students from Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Design, Sculpture, Photography, Architecture, and related disciplines participated in a series of workshops and creative activities conducted in India during January–March 2025. Selected works emerging from these workshops were subsequently presented internationally in the United Kingdom.

A delegation comprising Prof. Rajarshi Smart, Assistant Professor, MS-IDPT; Prof. Naishadh Jani, Assistant Professor, MS-IDPT; Manav Sumra, B.Arch. IV; and Nityam Zaveri, BVA III, represented Sarvajanik University during the international phase of the project.

The international exhibition, “Confluence: Arts Across Boundaries,” was curated and presented at the University of Salford, Manchester, on 23 July 2025, followed by an exhibition at XYZ Gallery, London, on 29 July 2025. The exhibitions brought together artists, educators, students, curators, and creative professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitating meaningful discussions and exchanges around contemporary art, design, culture, and artistic practices.

The programme also included visits to prominent cultural and academic institutions such as the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Manchester Art Gallery, Liverpool Biennial, RIBA, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery, and Design Museum. These visits provided valuable exposure to international museum practices, contemporary art, design, architecture, archival systems, and cultural heritage.

A special charity workshop, “Impression India,” was also conducted in London, featuring traditional Indian motifs and block-printing practices. The cultural significance of Indian visual traditions and printmaking techniques was introduced to an international audience through presentations and hands-on demonstrations.

The initiative resulted in significant academic, artistic, and institutional outcomes, including enhanced global exposure for students, interdisciplinary learning, international networking, and opportunities for future collaborations. Stronger academic and cultural links were established between Sarvajanik University, SUP – Something Useful Project, and the University of Salford, creating possibilities for future exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and academic exchanges.

The successful completion of the India–UK project was supported by the leadership of Prof. Persi Engineer, Principal, MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, along with the faculty and staff of MS-IDPT and Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts. The project was further strengthened through the coordination and support of the SUP team, including Damian Ryne and Sangita Mistry, as well as international participants and collaborators.

The initiative stands as a significant milestone in the internationalisation of creative education at Sarvajanik University, demonstrating the potential of Art and design education to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries while providing students with meaningful opportunities to participate in the global creative community.