Empowerment. Art and Feminisms in Kolkata

AntahSvar or “The Inner Music” is a choral iteration led by a coming together of trans and gender non-conforming performing artists and musicians that makes its debut at the Empowerment.Art and Feminisms exhibition in Kolkata. This iteration is conceptualised by transgender rights activist Anindya Hajra and is being co-led by her along with trans activist and performing artist Anurag Maitreyi.

This iteration locates itself within the continuum of performative cultures, traditions and departures that have shaped and informed this choral arrangement’s practice and politics both as independent artistes and collectives.

Sandbox Collective is a women‑led feminist arts organisation working at the intersection of art and gender since 2013. With a team from diverse backgrounds, they create greater access to the arts as artists, producers, curators, and presenters of performances and festivals across India and internationally. Their flagship annual festival, Gender Bender, showcases work that re‑examines and re‑imagines gender. Their latest initiative, Studio 345 in Bangalore, is an intimate neighbourhood space for creative gatherings and also houses a growing Feminist Library of books, zines, and periodicals.

Sandbox Collective participated in the initial exhibition held in Wolfsburg and will essay the role of Art Mediators for the South Asia tour.