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There can be a hundred objective quantifiers for what can be considered good art. However, an undeniable quality of good art is its inherent ability to be accessible to all. When most of us think of art, it is almost always a visual signifier. After all, art as a visual treat is quite common in the world around us — whether on street walls or in galleries. But, what about those who are incapable of visually experiencing art? Does their disability make them unworthy of experiencing art or should art adapt in such a way that it can be made accessible even to people with visual impairment? Without a shadow of a doubt, it's the latter, and that’s where art's universal beauty and appeal lies. Its form may change but the joy and happiness it brings to diverse people remains unbridled.
With that in mind, today, on World Braille Day, I’m going to share with you an exciting project titled Project Sparsh (Sparsh is the Hindi word for ‘touch’), a labor of love by Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation that aligns with their vision of 'Art for All'. The groundbreaking initiative was unveiled at the Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh School in Jaipur. This pioneering project aims to make art accessible to visually impaired individuals through the transformative power of tactile artwork.
The Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh School has been a beacon of hope for visually impaired students since 1968. Recognized by both the state government and the national government of India, provides a nurturing environment for students to not just excel at education but also enables their holistic development. The primary aim of the institution is to ensure that students with disabilities are not marginalized but instead empowered to become independent members of the community.
Project Sparsh has added a new dimension to their educational experience. Through the innovative use of the Asian Paints Royale Play range of textured paints, simple surfaces were transformed into tactile language that the students could touch and feel. The initiative focused on enriching the lives of these students in a meaningful way, recognizing the school as a second home to many of them. The goal of Project Sparsh is to broaden the young minds to new ways of experiencing art while celebrating the vibrant and cultural heritage of Rajasthan through the designs of the tactile murals.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Project Sparsh was the combination of a textile working technique exclusive to Rajasthan, Bandhej, which was combined with Braille to create outdoor murals. This unique approach, executed by Rajasthani artisans, allowed the students to experience a sense of joy and belonging through art.
Indoors, Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation created a first-of-its-kind 'Art Museum' featuring tactile murals, Phad Paintings, and textiles with Bandhej and Bagru Block Prints. The indoor exhibition aims to engage all senses, allowing the students to explore and appreciate art in a truly immersive way.
They also organized an art workshop as part of Project Sparsh, providing a platform for visually impaired students to showcase their creativity and talent. Through this workshop, the students had the opportunity to create their own artwork and express their unique perspectives and experiences. The workshop not only served as a space for artistic expression but also as a means of empowerment, allowing the students to engage in a meaningful and enriching activity. By encouraging participation and providing a supportive environment, the art workshop exemplified the commitment of Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation to fostering inclusivity and creativity among the students. It was a celebration of the students’ artistic abilities and a testament to the transformative power of art in their lives.
"As we continue our long-standing partnership with St+art India Foundation, we are delighted to be a part of the Sparsh initiative at the Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh in Jaipur. At Asian Paints, we leverage art and creativity to foster inclusivity among people. Sparsh is a representation of our values of empathy and the spirit of creativity. This initiative aims to bring joy and inspiration to visually impaired students through touch and feel. We redefined art and added another dimension to it with textured paints to create murals through tactile art. These murals narrate captivating stories, from the rich heritage of Rajasthan to the indomitable spirit of Helen Keller, and are accessible to all, especially people who perceive the world differently from us. Together with St+art India Foundation, the Sparsh initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to #ArtForAll.
Mr. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd
Initiatives like Project Sparsh represent a significant step towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment for people with disabilities and allowing individuals across all walks of life to experience and find expression through the medium of art. By breaking down barriers and creating a shared human experience, Project Sparsh has left an indelible mark on the lives of the visually impaired students of the Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh School and has inspired them to explore the world of art in a whole new way.
Check out the video below to witness the impact of Project Sparsh.
