An inclusive celebration of art and community
About
Art Inc. is an inclusive initiative that celebrates the creative expressions of artists with disabilities. Conceptualised and hosted at the Museum of Goa (MOG), the project reflects our ongoing commitment to making art accessible, representative, and rooted in equity.
The 2024 edition of Art Inc. was held from July 19 to August 4 in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, EnAble India, and the International Purple Fest. With over 45 artists and 97 works, the exhibition offered an inspiring glimpse into the power of art to build bridges between perspectives, experiences, and possibilities.
Why Art Inc
At the heart of Art Inc. is the belief that art is for everyone. The exhibition was born from a simple but essential question: How can cultural spaces become more inclusive, more open, and more representative of the world we live in?
By offering a dignified and professional platform for artists with disabilities, Art Inc. challenges limited narratives and makes space for new stories told through art and community.
Exhibition Highlights
- 97 artworks selected from over 150 submissions
- More than 70 percent of works sold, with all proceeds going directly to artists
- Over 1000 visitors, including 250 students from schools for PWDs.
- Full accessibility including ramps, lifts, Braille, ISL video guides, and sensory spaces
- Social media reach of more than 200000 views
- Educational outreach to 7 schools and learning centers
The exhibition brought together a rich mix of mediums and styles from abstract textiles and vibrant paintings to delicate paper mosaics. Rather than defining artists by their disabilities, the initiative focused on their individuality, talent, and creative voice.
A Collaborative Effort
Art Inc. emerged from a panel discussion on inclusion in the arts. From this, a community-led project took shape—curated with empathy, intention, and care.
The 2024 edition was curated by Samira Sheth and inaugurated by leaders from government, arts, and accessibility sectors. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phal Dessai (Minister for Social Welfare), Guruprasad Pawaskar (State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities), Taha Haziq (Secretary, State Commission), Priti Lobo (EnAble India), and Samira Sheth (Curator). Also present were Dr. Subodh Kerkar, Founder of the Museum of Goa, and Sharada Kerkar, COO of MOG.
Their shared presence and partnership affirmed a collective commitment to building more inclusive cultural spaces, grounded in dignity, creativity, and care.
Educational Engagement
Art Inc. extended beyond the gallery. In the weeks leading up to the exhibition, MOG conducted a series of workshops and educational programs in collaboration with schools and community organisations.
These sessions introduced students to new materials and methods such as papier mâché, textile collage, and pixel art designed with accessibility in mind. Every workshop was a space of joyful experimentation where artistic exploration supported confidence, expression, and creativity.
Participating organisations included:
- Lokvishwas Pratishthan Special Education School Ponda
- Gujarati Samaj Margao
- Keshav Seva Sadhan Bicholim
- Bookworm Goa
- Sanjay Centre for Special Education
Each interaction deepened our understanding of how inclusive art education can be
transformative for learners, facilitators, and communities.
Accessible by Design
From curation to visitor experience, Art Inc. was designed to be welcoming to all. Accessibility was not an afterthought. It was embedded from the start.
Collaborators like Spacefelt and Access For All supported the integration of ramps, tactile displays, ISL descriptions, and sensory spaces. These efforts helped MOG become a more empathetic space where visitors of all abilities could engage meaningfully with the works.
Looking Ahead
The success of Art Inc. 2024 marks just the beginning. We are committed to
expanding this platform into a year-round programme that nurtures artistic growth,
visibility, and income opportunities for artists with disabilities.
Upcoming plans include:
- Residencies and advanced workshops
- Skill-based product design sessions for income generation
- Inclusive learning toolkits for schools and educators
- Partnerships with leading national disability-led art practices
At MOG we believe that inclusion in the arts is not a special initiative. It is a necessary one. And every creative voice deserves to be heard, celebrated, and shared.
Collaboration and Community
Art Inc. is a collaborative initiative led by the Museum of Goa in partnership with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, EnAble India, and the International Purple Fest.
It was made possible with the support of over 16 sponsors, 7 schools, and countless volunteers and caregivers. Their belief in the power of inclusive creativity turned this idea into a movement.
Join the Movement
Art Inc. is one of many projects at MOG that seek to reimagine what art can be and who it can be for.
Follow us on Instagram @museumofgoa to stay updated on upcoming programmes, workshops, and calls for artists.
To collaborate, write to us at info@museumofgoa.com
Let us keep building a culture of creativity, dignity, and inclusion together.
