MUMBAI/NEW DELHI (India CSR): Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), inaugurated the fourth season of its flagship art initiative – ‘Art for Hope.’ The three-day art and culture festival felicitates 50 grant-winning artists and art collectives from 15 states across India with a total grant of INR 60 Lakhs. Championing artistic expression, the ‘Art for Hope’ initiative reflects HMIF’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent, preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, and fostering a future where creativity fuels social progress. The grantees comprise 40 individual artists, including 5 grants for persons with disabilities, and 10 art collectives.
Official Launch and Distinguished Guests
The fourth season of ‘Art for Hope’ was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, in the presence of Unsoo Kim, Managing Director – HMIL, Gopalakrishnan CS, Trustee – HMIF, Jeongick Lee, Function Head – Corporate Affairs, HMIL, and Puneet Anand, Vertical Head – Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, at Travancore Palace, New Delhi.
Minister’s Remarks on the Initiative
Commenting on the significance of ‘Art for Hope,’ Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, said, “Art has the power to inspire, educate, and unite cultures and communities. ‘Art for Hope’ is a commendable initiative by Hyundai Motor India Foundation that not only supports artists but also preserves and promotes India’s diverse cultural expressions. By empowering emerging and under-represented artists, this program ensures that traditional and contemporary art continues to thrive and flourish. Hyundai Motor India’s dedication to nurturing art reflects their commitment to nation-building.”
HMIL’s Commitment to Art and Culture
Speaking at the inaugural event of ‘Art for Hope – Season 4,’ Unsoo Kim, Managing Director – HMIL, said, “At Hyundai Motor India Limited, our vision of driving ‘Progress for Humanity’ is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building not just cars, but a better future for Bharat. The ‘Art for Hope’ initiative reflects our deep commitment to India, respect for its diverse traditions, and the extraordinary potential of its people. With Season 4 of the program, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing creativity, celebrating diversity, and inclusivity. Our success is linked to the progress of the communities we serve, and initiatives such as ‘Art for Hope’ are vital towards this direction.”
Key Highlights of ‘Art for Hope’ Season 4
- Traditional Art Workshops: Sessions on Sanjhi papercut art from Mathura, Lippan art from Gujarat, and Kalamkari art from Andhra Pradesh.
- Theater and Dance Performances: Artists from New Delhi and Maharashtra showcase theater performances, along with Lavani, Ottan Thullal, Theyyam, and Yakshagana.
- Musical Performance: Special act by a band of talented artists with disabilities.
- Artisan Fest: Stalls supporting 15 eco-friendly art and craft NGOs and small enterprises.
- Speaker Sessions & Discussions: Topics include ‘Art from Waste’ and ‘Inclusivity in Design and the Arts.’
- Accessibility Features: Exhibition designed for visitors with mobility issues, hearing, and vision impairment, featuring tactile artworks, audio-visual sign language tours, and braille descriptions.
Impact and Long-Term Commitment
Through ‘Art for Hope,’ grant recipients receive not only financial assistance but also social and professional recognition, besides emotional support, helping them build sustainable careers in their respective artforms. Over the past four seasons, HMIF has empowered 150 artists and art collectives with direct financial support amounting to INR 1.65 Crore. These efforts have touched the lives of over 25,000 artisans, reinforcing HMIF’s long-term commitment to preserving India’s artistic legacy for future generations.
(India CSR)
