CSR: Hyundai Motor India Foundation Announces the Grantees of ‘Art for Hope’ 2024

Fuelling the Artistic Dreams of Individuals Across India

Mumbai/Gurugram (India CSR): Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR wing of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), proudly unveiled the list of 40 distinguished grantees for its esteemed ‘Art for Hope’ 2024 initiative. Embarking on its third year, this flagship art revival program is steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to various art forms. The program caters to youth, women, and local artists, playing a pivotal role in cultivating and nurturing artistic talent across the nation.

A Commitment to Artistic Progress

Congratulating the 2024 cohort, Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., expressed his excitement over the diversity and creativity showcased in this year’s applications. “Art is a potent force for societal progress,” said Anand. “Through ‘Art for Hope’, we aspire to turn the artistic dreams of these talented individuals into reality, helping them to further their ambitions and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.”

He further noted the expanded reach and impact of the third iteration of this program, which has continued to grow in scale and scope since its inception.

Expanding Horizons: ‘Ability for Dignity’

This year marks a significant addition to the program with the introduction of ‘Ability for Dignity’. Ten grants have been exclusively set aside for specially-abled artists, underlining HMIF’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through art. These artists, along with their caregivers, will also benefit from specialized artist management and virtual upskilling training.

“The goal of ‘Ability for Dignity’ is to foster an inclusive environment where artists can leverage their talents for sustainable income, free from biases,” Mr. Anand added.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The selection of grantees involved a comprehensive evaluation by a distinguished jury. The panel included esteemed figures such as Mr. Aditya Arya, Founder – Trustee and Director, Museo Camera Center for Photographic Arts, Ms. Kanchan Chander, a prominent contemporary artist and printmaker, Ms. Seema Kohli, a renowned artist, sculptor, and poet, and other distinguished members from various art disciplines. Their expertise played a crucial role in the meticulous jury process of ‘Art for Hope’ 2024.

Each candidate’s submission was thoroughly reviewed with a focus on originality, creative expression, and potential impact. The jury sought to identify artists who not only demonstrated exceptional talent but also the capacity to use their art as a means of inspiring and engaging communities.

The inclusion of professionals from diverse artistic backgrounds ensured a holistic and nuanced assessment of each application. This diversity in the jury’s composition is reflective of the program’s commitment to embracing a wide range of artistic expressions and styles.

Ensuring Diversity and Excellence

The jury’s task was not only to identify talent but also to ensure a diverse representation of art forms and artists from different geographical and cultural backgrounds. This inclusive approach aligns with HMIF’s vision of fostering a vibrant and varied artistic community in India. The selection criteria focused on originality, creativity, and the potential impact of the proposed projects on the artists’ communities and the broader art scene.

Criteria for Selection

The selection criteria focused on several key aspects:

Artistic Merit: The jury assessed the technical skill, originality, and creativity of the works submitted. They looked for artists who not only had a command over their medium but also a distinctive voice that set them apart.

Potential for Impact: An important criterion was the potential impact of the artist’s work on their community and the broader cultural landscape. The jury sought artists whose work had the power to inspire, challenge, and evoke meaningful dialogue.

Alignment with HMIF’s Vision: Applicants whose work resonated with the theme of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and demonstrated a commitment to using art for social good were given priority.

Diversity and Inclusion: In line with HMIF’s commitment to inclusivity, the panel paid special attention to ensuring a diverse group of recipients, representing different regions, cultures, and artistic disciplines.

The Jury’s Challenge

The jury faced the challenging task of balancing these criteria while being mindful of the diverse artistic expressions across India. Their rigorous approach ensured that the selection process was not only fair but also reflective of the highest standards of artistic excellence and social relevance.

Grantees

They represent a vibrant cross-section of the country’s cultural fabric, each with a unique story to tell and a distinct vision to share. As they embark on their artistic journeys with the support of HMIF, they carry with them the promise of contributing to a more inclusive, dynamic, and progressive artistic landscape in India.

Congratulations to all the grantees of ‘Art for Hope’ 2024: