As part of the project titled Stories from Within, led by Mridu Rai and Dipti Tamang, The Confluence Collective (TCC) organized a residential workshop in Buddhapada, Kalimpong, with support from the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) Grant.
The workshop, held from November 19th to 22nd, 2021, marked an important milestone in the project's journey, bringing together mentors and grantees in person for the first time. This physical meeting provided a unique opportunity for dialogue and deeper engagement, creating a more comfortable and intimate space for collaboration.
The Stories from Within project was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of profound difficulty and disruption. The workshop, therefore, served not only as a space for professional development but also as a moment of healing, gradually helping participants reconnect and foster a sense of normalcy in these trying times. The project aims to create an alternative platform for producing knowledge from the margins, providing an opportunity to explore innovative ways of (re)telling stories from the Darjeeling Himalayas.
This collective endeavor involves the grantees, researchers, TCC, and our sponsors, all working together to explore fresh and creative perspectives on the lived realities of people, groups, and communities in the region. The workshop brought together a vibrant and dynamic team of young grantees, each bringing new visions and approaches to understanding and documenting the complexities of the region. Through their individual stories, the participants are contributing to a larger discourse that reflects and engages with the social, cultural, and political realities of the Darjeeling Himalayas.
Over the course of the two-day workshop, we delved into the intricacies of using the visual medium as a tool for storytelling. This process allowed mentors and grantees to discuss the challenges they face when working with visual narratives—an essential part of the project's creative framework. As mentors, we were able to engage with these nuances, helping the grantees refine their projects while providing critical feedback. This collaborative effort exposed us to the pressing need for spaces where emerging creators can experiment, innovate, and find their voice.
One key takeaway from the workshop was the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for the grantees. While we encouraged them to push their boundaries, explore new methods, and refine their techniques, it was equally crucial to establish an atmosphere of care, where new ideas could be shared and discussed without judgment. We understand that the development of these projects requires both constructive critique and a nurturing space for creative risk-taking.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue working with our grantees, further developing these projects, and guiding them towards completion. This workshop was just one step in a collaborative journey that will eventually culminate in a body of work that offers fresh insights into the complex realities of the Darjeeling Himalayas. We are eager to see how these projects evolve and how they will contribute to new forms of storytelling that honor the diversity and richness of the region.
We look forward to the continued partnership with our grantees and collaborators as we work together to create meaningful and impactful visual narratives that speak to the heart of this region and its people.
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