Anga Art Collective
India · Visual Arts
The 2024 Art Space Grant was awarded to Anga Art Collective, an Assam-based collective dedicated to the enrichment of the dialogue between artists and local residents through critical, visual and material experiments, and artist-led pedagogical explorations based on the geographical and social landscape of the region of North Eastern India.
Founded in 2010, by a group of artist-friends, Anga Art Collective fosters critical engagement with regional and cultural specificities, blending artistic practice with social and geographical contexts. Its work creates spaces for critical thinking and collaboration, drawing on local knowledge and engaging with communities, academics, and activists. One of its signature projects is the “Granary”, a bamboo structure inspired by the region’s material culture and addressing human-elephant conflict. This space hosts storytelling, film screenings, and immersive community interactions, enriching the dialogue between artists and local residents. Another pivotal initiative, the “kNOw School”, focuses on post-disciplinary education, inviting adventurous, artist-led pedagogical explorations. Recently, the collective has participated in major international exhibitions such as the Dhaka Art Summit and the Cultural Summit Abu Dhabi, further amplifying their innovative, community-oriented practices.
The Anga Art Collective has now 10 members: Bidyut Sagar Baruah, Dhrubajit Sarma, Dharmendra Prasad, Pankaj Sarama, Pallov Saikia, Sanjib Kalita, Kuldip Sarma, Kartik Lahkar, Mayur Rajbongshi, Himadri Dutta as well as 4 collaborators: Jagen Das, Kandarpa Rabha, Balen Rabha, Pradip Rabha and Sukleswar Rabha. They reside in different parts of Assam and outside the state as well. The collective is known for its adaptive methodologies and inclusive practices, bridging artistic engagement with local realities. Their work spans installations, archives, and workshops, contributing to the visibility of a region often underrepresented in India’s art history. Among their recent accomplishments are the Sundaram Shergill Installation Art Grant (2022) and participation in prestigious global forums. Anga continues to redefine art practice in India’s Northeast, promoting regional narratives and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue.
The Art Space Grant is a collaboration between KADIST and AFIELD.
