Our story

Odisha Craft Odyssey

Purpose

BEADS is a team of designers, artists, ceramists and art enthusiasts mentored by eminent artist, sculptor, and painter Jagannath Panda.

Bewitching, varied, intricate, thought-provoking yet utilitarian – these are words that run through our mind when we talk of the variety of arts and crafts in Odisha. Stonework, silver filigree, woodcraft, appliqué work, brass and bell metal work, dhokra castings, horn work, patta paintings, paper-mâché, terracotta – the list goes on. Every district in Odisha has a specialist craft practice and a different take on another one!

Over 100 such practices were documented in the early 90’s by the renowned artist and art historian Dr Dinanath Pathy. This list has started dwindling in recent years with artisans struggling to find work. At BEADS we aim to rejuvenate this incredible art heritage by reimagining the way it connects with the contemporary world by way of design thinking and experimental art.

In 2022, BEADS was officially registered and here we are. Determined with a passion to bring stories of Odisha, its art and craft practices in a contemporary fashion to everyone’s lives.

Our Residency Programmes

One wall residency

We have curated a unique Artist Residency Program where artists and designers are invited to develop ideas and practices in a creative direction on a Wall literally!

The programme offers time, space, and opportunity to grow in a professional environment with a rich combination of artistic and professional resources. It is open to both medium-specific and cross-platform modes of creation that aim for the intersection of art and ideas.

The residency fosters a culture of rigorous practice and contemporary thought. In addition to focused work in the studio, residents attend gallery walks, museum visits, and workshops that support professional art practice

The residency programme has successfully completed 2 editions with diverse art practitioners exploring different themes and concepts on the WALL.

Artist Anshuka Mohapatra during open day of second edition of One Wall Residency

Belgadia Palace x Beads Residency Programme 2023-24

Artist Rohit Kale speaking his experience during The Belgadia Palace and BEADS Residency

BEADS partnered with The Belgadia Palace in 2023 to conceptualise a unique 2 part travelling residency where an artist/designer worked closely with a local community and craft cluster as per the curatorial concept for a large part of the residency and then presented their final concept and artwork in Bhubaneswar after crystallising it at the BEADS studio. The programme was curated by the young curator duo of Sibdas Sengupta and Julius Das (who is also the lead designer for BEADS) and was titled ‘Traversing Binaries’.

In this residency , Mumbai based artist Rohit Kale spent 10 days at the Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj and worked closely with local sabai grass crafts community. He was accompanied by Julius Das for curatorial oversight. As a result of this collaboration the team evolved a new technique of writing text on sabai products which allowed the largely illiterate sabai craftswomen to write their names for the first time and come up with new products that leveraged this technique.

Rohit Kale presented his final works and collaboration process at a star studded event organised by BEADS at the Press Club of Odisha on July 9 , 2023. He was accompanied by the women of the sabai grass craft community who confirmed that the new text writing design development had helped them earn new orders.

The Belgadia Palace x BEADS Residency Programme 2023-24

Purpose

MGM Foundation, MGM Group Odisha’s social transformation wing, aims to promote inclusive growth and uplift marginalized communities while establishing a legacy of sustainable development and collective well-being. Through various comprehensive initiatives in healthcare, education, art, sports, and rural development, MGM Foundation connects with the community at the grassroot level to effect holistic social impact. The foundation amplifies its efforts through several strategic partnerships with government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, alongside engaging in sponsorships and donations to bolster various programs.

Committed to improving the quality of life in rural areas surrounding MGM’s mining and plant sites, MGM Foundation undertakes several healthcare initiatives that include organizing medical camps, running mobile healthcare units, and supporting local hospitals with essential equipment and infrastructure. These efforts also extend to constructing residential facilities, ensuring access to clean drinking water, implementing hygiene and sanitation projects, and organizing vocational training & skill development sessions for both agricultural and non-agricultural employment.

MGM Foundation supports educational endeavours including school infrastructure development, scholarship programs, teacher training, and digital learning with the goal of bridging the educational divide around the state. Further, the foundation promotes sports infrastructure and technical education to encourage participation and healthy competition, thus providing local talent with high-quality coaching and infrastructure to excel on global platforms.

MGM Foundation emphasizes on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage while fostering creativity and innovation in the arts by supporting art workshops, exhibitions, cultural festivals and events, artist support programs, and art education. The foundation hopes to create a symphony of positive change, empowering individuals and communities to craft their own success stories.

MGM Foundation x BEADS

Our story

Purpose

Our Residency Programmes

One wall residency

Belgadia Palace x Beads Residency Programme 2023-24

Purpose

MGM Foundation x BEADS

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