SERENDIPITY IS DEEPENING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION: SUNIL KANT MUNJAL

Sunil Kant Munjal, the Founder and Patron of the Serendipity Arts Foundation (SAF), has been a driving force in transforming India's cultural landscape.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

Under Munjal's leadership, SAF has emerged as a pivotal institution in South Asia, championing creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural exchange.

The ninth edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival is taking place in Panaji, Goa, from December 15 to December 22. Subsequently, the bandwagon will head to Birmingham, UK, from May 23 to June 1, 2025, for a tenday extravaganza, in partnership with Birmingham City University. It's the first time the festival is venturing outside of India.

In the interview, Sunil Kant Munjal talks about highlights this year's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, with additions like AI-driven art, community engagement initiatives, and collaborations with international institutions, among other things.

Excerpts Q. The Serendipity Arts Festival is known for its interdisciplinary nature, uniting visual arts, music, theatre, dance, culinary arts, and craft. How do you envision the curation for this year's festival? A. The 2024 edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival is designed to deepen our interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, bringing together a broader range of art forms and integrating emerging technologies whilst placing a significant emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural preservation. This year, we have focused on creating immersive experiences which combine traditional arts with innovative tools, technology and ideas. Our curators across various disciplines bring their unique perspective and expertise to the festival and their collaborative efforts have resulted in 200+ projects that offer something for everyone.