IIM Shillong inaugurates Open Studio for Artist Residency, Fostering Creativity in Management

The Artist Residency Programme, held from November 6 to 16, 2024, brought together 16 accomplished artists from leading institutions across India. The programme offered the artists an immersive opportunity to live and collaborate with the IIM Shillong community, blending creative expression with the world of management.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong has inaugurated a new Open Studio for Artist Residency at its Umsawli campus, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating creativity with management education. The residency featured over 100 paintings created during a 10-day programme.

The Artist Residency Programme, held from November 6 to 16, 2024, brought together 16 accomplished artists from leading institutions across India. The programme offered the artists an immersive opportunity to live and collaborate with the IIM Shillong community, blending creative expression with the world of management.

A Space for Creativity and Collaboration

The residency, organized by Zeitgeist, IIM Shillong’s literary, quizzing, and activities club, aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of art and business. It seeks to create a vibrant space where innovative ideas can emerge through collaboration and interaction, enhancing holistic learning and encouraging the development of creative solutions to global business challenges.

An IIM Shillong statement noted, “This initiative embodies the intersection of creativity and management, offering a platform for both students and artists to collaborate and exchange ideas, fostering innovation through artistic expression.”

Thematic Focus: 'Misty Musings: The Shifting Landscape'

The theme of this year’s residency, ‘Misty Musings: The Shifting Landscape,’ explored the tension between clarity and obscurity. It encouraged artists and participants to look beyond surface realities and engage with the hidden layers of meaning. The mist in the theme symbolized the ambiguity of reality, inviting reflection and deeper exploration.

According to IIM Shillong, “The theme celebrates the transformative power of art to uncover meaning in ambiguity, urging participants to rethink perceptions and embrace change. It resonated deeply with the spirit of the residency, pushing boundaries and sparking new perspectives."

Keynote Sessions and Discussions

Throughout the residency, IIM Shillong hosted a series of insightful sessions. One of the key highlights was a keynote address by Jeet Banerjee, founder of Gameplan Sports Pvt. Ltd., who shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the creative industry. His talk highlighted the importance of creativity in shaping successful business ventures.

Another important session featured Paula Sengupta, a member of the Board of Governors at IIM Shillong, who presented a detailed discussion on her artwork. Sengupta delved into themes of domestic space, patriarchy, and the impact of colonialism, using art as a medium to challenge and engage with socio-cultural issues.

Workshops and Collaborative Projects

The Artist Residency Programme was not just about creating art; it was also about collaborative learning. During the residency, artists and IIM Shillong students engaged in workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects designed to explore the profound impact of art on leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. This interaction provided a unique platform for students to see firsthand how art can shape leadership and innovation, offering valuable lessons for the business world.

The programme highlights IIM Shillong’s commitment to holistic education, combining academic rigor with creative exploration. By integrating artistic expression into its management curriculum, the institute aims to foster responsible leadership and innovative thinking, equipping students with skills essential for the future of business.

A Step Towards Holistic Education

The residency reflects IIM Shillong’s dedication to the New Education Policy (NEP), which envisions an education system that is not just academic but also creative, interdisciplinary, and holistic. By offering an environment that fosters critical thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovation, the programme underscores the institute’s vision to cultivate 21st-century skills in its students.

IIM Shillong’s commitment to nation-building through creative ecosystems aligns with the goals of the NEP, which aims to create well-rounded professionals capable of leading in diverse fields. This residency has left a lasting impact on the participants and the larger academic community, further enhancing IIM Shillong’s reputation as a leader in integrating arts and management.

 The Artist Residency Programme at IIM Shillong is more than just an event—it is a celebration of art’s transformative role in shaping leadership, creativity, and problem-solving in management. The programme provided both artists and students with a unique opportunity to engage with the creative process, build new perspectives, and contribute to a dynamic dialogue between art and business. Through this initiative, IIM Shillong has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a learning environment that values creativity as a key driver of business success and innovation.

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