SHILLONG, Nov 17: In a bid to integrate creativity with management education, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong inaugurated the ‘Open Studio’, an initiative which houses over 100+ paintings created during the course of its 10-day Artist Residency Programme held from November 6 to 16.
Held at the Umsawli campus, the programme 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 Programme was inaugurated by Chairman of Board of Governors (BOG), Shishir Kumar Bajoria, on November 6 in the presence of the IIM Shillong fraternity.
Organised 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 programme 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 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 symbolises 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 November 16 was graced by Atul Chandrakant Kulkarni, Member BOG, Prof Abhishek Vashisht, Chair of Student Affairs, Prof Rohit Dwivedi, and Samindranath Majumdar, the programme’s curator.
