News

Volume 4 Issue 8 - April 15, 2006

Exhibition involving mentally disabled youth, India’s best painters breaks the charity mould

D.N.I.S. News Network- An art exhibition involving mentally disabled youth and the country’s best painters was recently held in the Capital to raise funds for the activities of Society for Child Development.

The event was different from the usual fundraisers, as it got together artists and mentally disabled youth in a working alliance to generate money for both of them.

In a clear break from the charity approach, the mentally disabled youth, working in the production centre of the Society, created acid free, art quality papers, and these were sent to eminent artists who transformed the papers into masterpieces. The proceeds from the artwork would be shared between the artists and the workers, who produced the paper. A part of the earning will also be used to fund programmes of the Society.

“This initiative is to ensure the sustainability of the organisation and to free it from the need to spend vital time and energy in sourcing funds,” says the organisation’s souvenir brought out to mark the event.

A press release said that the event showcased the Society’s exemplary model of service delivery (education and employment) for those with intellectual and mental disabilities.

The three-day event was held at the Visual Arts Gallery at India Habitat Centre and showcased works of over 52 painters.