First-of-Its-Kind Art Integration Exhibition in Pune: Bringing Creativity to Low-Income Schools
Under its Art for Educators initiative, Saturday Art Class (SAC) has launched a pioneering program in Maharashtra aimed at integrating visual arts into the curriculum of low-income schools. This initiative trains government school teachers to become creative visual arts facilitators, enhancing students’ educational experiences through artistic expression.
On August 10, SAC will host its first-ever exhibition in Pune at Monalisa Kalagram, featuring artwork created by approximately 500 students from across the city. The exhibition will showcase the talents of these young artists, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to express themselves creatively.
Distinguished Guests and Panel Discussion
The event will be graced by notable figures including Rati Forbes, Director of Forbes Marshall, and Sachin Sudhakar Chavan, Head of Arts and Sports at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). A highlight of the exhibition will be a panel discussion on the topic, “How can access to art help students thrive?” The panel will feature Rati Forbes; Ruchika Gupta, Senior Director of Art for Akanksha; Mallika Singh, Director of India Operations at Pratham International; Ranjeet Maurya, a student from Shankarwadi MPS School; and Manasi Mehan, CEO and Co-Founder of Saturday Art Class.
Origins and Growth of Saturday Art Class
The inception of Saturday Art Class traces back to Manasi Mehan’s experience teaching at a low-income government school in Mumbai. Noticing a lack of artistic opportunities for students, Mehan sought to introduce art classes, leading her to co-found SAC with Chhavi Khandelwal, who volunteered as an art educator. The initiative began with a single classroom of 30 students, affectionately named “Saturday Art Class” by the students themselves.
Since its humble beginnings, SAC has expanded to 13 states across India. The organization now focuses on training existing teachers to incorporate visual arts and social-emotional learning into their curricula. This innovative approach not only enhances traditional education but also provides students with a safe space for self-expression and creativity. SAC’s efforts were recognized internationally, as they were a runner-up in this year’s Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge.
Art for Educators Initiative and Impact in Maharashtra
Under the Art for Educators initiative, SAC has implemented a comprehensive training program for government school teachers in Maharashtra. These educators are equipped with the skills needed to foster a nurturing and creative environment in their classrooms. “We’ve worked with over 300 educators, impacting 12,500 children in Maharashtra,” said Mehan, highlighting the initiative’s broad reach and impact.
In Pune, SAC collaborates with organizations such as Urmi, Yojak, and Teach For India, and is currently exploring partnerships with SCERT to expand its reach to more schools. The program involves introducing students to a variety of topics and encouraging them to use their imagination to create and share artwork within the classroom.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming exhibition in Pune marks a significant milestone for SAC, as it continues to champion the cause of art education in low-income schools. By providing students with access to visual arts, SAC not only enhances their educational experience but also helps them develop crucial life skills. The organization remains committed to its mission of integrating art into the education system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore their creativity and thrive.
The exhibition promises to be a celebration of young talent and a testament to the transformative power of art in education. As SAC continues to grow and reach more students, it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact of art on children’s lives.
