· Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita & Shri Paul Lyndoh, addressed the event, emphasizing the role of art in strengthening India-ASEAN cultural ties
· The paintings created during the camp will now be exhibited in New Delhi and Malaysia, extending the cultural dialogue beyond Shillong
India, April 16, 2025: The 3rd edition of the ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp (AIAC) concluded in Shillong with an exhibition at Tripura Castle, where paintings created by 21 artists from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and India were displayed. Over ten days, these artists engaged in collaborative work, drawing inspiration from Shillong’s landscapes, cultural interactions, and artistic exchanges.
Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with Seher, AIAC has been a key initiative under India’s Act East Policy. The camp facilitated artistic dialogue across borders, fostering an environment where diverse styles, traditions, and techniques converged to create original works of art.
Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India said “It’s a privilege to host the ASEAN-India Artists Camp in Shillong, Meghalaya. This reflects PM Narendra Modi’s people-first approach in the Act East Policy. With 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, the camp shows our focus on bringing people together. Meghalaya, with its traditions and landscapes, is India’s gateway to ASEAN and a key part of the Northeast’s role in our growth. The 21 artists from ASEAN nations and India have captured the Ramayana’s spirit, linking our shared heritage. On behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, I thank the Meghalaya government, the Seher team, and all participants for making this third edition a success. As an Assamese, I’m proud to see the Northeast strengthen India’s ties with ASEAN through culture and shared goals.”
During the camp, artists participated in a series of immersive experiences, including interactive workshops on classical dance, indigenous music, and traditional handicrafts. They engaged in discussions on creative techniques, explored Meghalaya’s artistic heritage, and conducted interactive sessions with local schoolchildren, offering them a rare opportunity to observe and learn from distinguished artists. These exchanges not only enriched the creative process but also deepened cultural understanding.
Reflecting on the camp’s success, Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder-Director of Seher, said, “As the one who dreamed up this camp, I’ve watched it evolve into something extraordinary. Over ten days, I saw these artists from across borders dive into Shillong’s culture, challenge each other’s ideas, and produce works that pulse with life. This exhibition is the result of raw creativity, late-night debates, and a shared passion that’s now tangible on every canvas. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
With the conclusion of the camp, the artworks showcased in Shillong will next be exhibited in New Delhi and Malaysia, further extending this cultural exchange beyond borders. The artists return to their home countries with new perspectives, experiences and memories, reinforcing India’s engagement with ASEAN nations through the arts.
