Discussing Health Issues through Artboxes in Mumbai

The Dharavi Biennale was a two-year project built from 22 smaller art projects (Artboxes) in which residents of Dharavi, an informal settlement in Mumbai, worked with mentor artists and health scientists to discuss health issues and develop challenging artworks.

The process included an inaugural exhibition in November 2013, development of a website, periodic performances, and invited talks. It culminated in the Alley Galli Biennale, a three-week exhibition in Dharavi with 17 associated events. The exhibition was held in four venues, included 22 collections of artworks resulting from the development projects, and attracted ~10,000 visitors. Media coverage included articles and film.

After the Alley Galli Biennale, the plan was to continue the process and to support the development of local artists through bursaries and ownership of small projects. The project was extended to a repeat exhibition in February 2016, at which four new artworks were exhibited.

You can see more about the Dharavi Biennale, the art it produced and how the health issues it discussed here: http://www.dharavibiennale.com/#dharavibiennale