Organizations play an important role in our society as they are entrusted with the responsibility of preservation and promotion of our art and culture. In addition to that, they have the greatest weight on their shoulders of building a global community of art and culture lovers, especially in our times, where our citizenry is exposed to radical influences from technology and urbanization.
Look around where you live, and a deeper check will reveal a positive index. We are fortunate to have some stalwart organizations in our society who work tirelessly towards the development and perpetuation of this cause. There are only a few of them but they are so significant because of the kind of work they have been doing for so many years towards the cause of music, dance and the fine arts.
Some of the initiatives of organizations are:
- Organizations and Groups supporting or working towards the cause of development of art in India and globally, first provide a great platform for authentic and great talent of the country to showcase their expertise and dedication.
- Organizations develop a global community of music and art lovers across all fields thereby, developing a community of enthusiasts, connoisseurs, creative fraternity, promoters all together in one platform together.
- Organizations ensure that the talent that comes together in the world of art reaches every art lover and novice across the globe. This way, serious art lovers get an opportunity to experience good and authentic art and art forms. Also, serious artists get a wonderful platform to showcase their talent to the right audiences thereby gaining credibility for their expertise.
- Organizations, against all odds, deliver the art and cultural essence of every locality to audiences thereby ensuring that the local cultural element is kept intact.
- In addition, organizations have the highest responsibility of showcasing authentic talent to audiences, ensuring that the cultural and artistic flavor of the region is appropriately showcased.
- Organizations retain and perpetuate the aesthetic element of a nation thereby maintaining a creative voice to a region and nation.
Most senior artists and art fraternity owe their gratitude to many such organizations. In fact, when I spoke to some of the accomplished artists, they owe their first innings to a local organization which gave them the first platform to showcase their talent and to audiences who encouraged and supported this talent.
Many organizations have also built their own literature in the form of art and cultural magazines. These are one of the solid assets built by organizations. The magazines over the years, have become a true reflection of the music and art flavor of its times. Showcasing the programs, showcasing the talent of artists, interviews, research based articles, theme based stories, views and voice of artists, update on event calendars, awards and celebrations, and much more. And it is not an easy job to maintain such activities considering the huge challenges organizations face! And yet, keeping the energy on and provide a stimulating environment time and time again truly deserves a standing ovation!
In addition, there has been tremendous and significant support and encouragement from the State and Central Government towards the cause of art and culture. Art and culture forms the bedrock of cultural enrichment in any society. It acts as a solid pillar upholding these values in its fold and ensures that the people imbibe these values all the time!
However, it is not always a happy and pleasant journey. There are many odds, challenges and uncomfortable situations that organizations must face. Organizations have on several occasions and over the years, taken up serious issues related to art and its development with various forums – whether related to raising funding, giving the right platform to serious artists, question of uncompromising and authentic quality, supporting the needy art fraternity, and much more.
Amongst the some of the new and changing trends have been the arrival and rise of social media in perpetuation the cause of art and art forms. The changes face and race of technology in many ways have helped organizations in their endeavor to achieve their ‘art-goals.’ Today art, artists, channels, communities are all on social media! While too much of it causes the wrong exposure, the best merits are when art reaches every nook and corner of the world. It is also rejuvenating to know that art and music can be taught the world over using technology which brings people closer into one small world. As we speak, some of the smallest and biggest organizations have adapted into the changing times and have adopted technology to their advantage. Today, a cultural ‘sangha’ in a remote village in Mangalore does not have to go across the seven seas to see and experience what kind of cultural development is happening globally, with a click of a mouse, they can access everything sitting by the sea, literally!
Organizations ensure that there is community of art and music lovers – a strong, vibrant and connected community of art and music flowing in people’s veins, all through. It is also important that every organization renews its investment to the arts to build stronger relationships across the world. A true sign of a healthy community is its ability to preserve and invent its culture — to conserve history and heritage while developing new expressions and methods for current times. Essentially, organizations help in restoration, revival and perpetuation of art and art forms thereby, preserving our heritage and history.
By the way, if you did not notice by now, all this requires a huge dedication and commitment of time, resources and ENERGY, continuously without a stop!!! Also, citizens entrust organizations with responsible decisions and actions. Organizations also need to ensure they have the necessary tools and ammunition to keep the cultural spirit alive and thriving in any society.
And above all, they beat all odds and challenges. Isn’t it time to thank them for their efforts and contribution? Isn’t it time now to ensure we all support the growth of each of these organizations? Let us do our bit now to support and play a role in developing organizations. And say, thanks!