The Sixth Edition Annual Conference at KCC
Kolkata Centre for Creativity is holding the sixth edition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (VK VI), an annual conference hosted by KCC, with this year’s theme “Intersections & Confluences: Art, Architecture, Design, Craft, Music, Textile, Ecology & Community. The two-day programme is held on the 24th and 25th of January 2025 in Kolkata and is open to all practitioners and the public.
In the event, Leading voices from ecologically-driven Art, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Textiles, and the public sector converge for two days of dialogue, workshops, and performances.
Enhancing Dialogue and Collaboration through Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (VK VI) (The World Is One Family)
The conference addresses holistic development and the urgent need for intersectional cooperation and alliance. It emphasizes building a community around solutions, with a focus on solidarity, ecosystems, and policy discourse. From circular economy models to regenerative design, the discussions taking place at the conference will spark ideas and ignite passion for a more sustainable future.
The conference focuses on the influence of Indic thought on contemporary creativity and society. VK VI brings together thought leaders from Textile art, Design, Architecture, Visual art, and Ecology to explore interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. The conference seeks to identify synergies, challenge existing hierarchies, and dismantle hegemonies.
A Gathering of Ecologically-Conscious Individuals at Kolkata Centre for Creativity
VK VI (2025) as a call to action brings together various disciplines in programmes like Illustrated Presentations, Conversations, Panel Discussions, Screenings, Audience Integration, Round Tables, and more, led by industry leaders across the two-day conference.
The sixth edition of VK VI (2025) has an exciting lineup of Speakers like Abin Chaudhuri, Aditya Kumar Jha, Prof. Ashoke Chatterjee, Dr. Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty, Dr. Padmini Ray Murray, Saleem Bhatri, Sayantan Maitra Boka, Sayantoni Dutta, Siddhanjan Ray Chaudhuri, Ujjal Dey, Vikash Kumar.
The gathering will also have creative Performances by Uma Banerjee, Dr. Bedaprana Roy, Taishi Nandi, Biren Kalindi, Sristidhar Sahish, Laxmi Rani Munda.
About Co-Programmers of VK VI (2025) at KCC
Shwetal A. Patel works at the intersection of visual art, exhibition-making, and development studies. Shweta has earned a PhD from the University of Southampton, focusing on Visual Art Platforms. He also lectures at institutions such as Zürich University of the Arts, the Royal College of Art, and the University of Exeter. In addition to his academic and professional commitments, Shwetal serves on the editorial board of OnCurating.org and as a trustee for the Milton Keynes Museum, the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis & Culture, and the Coventry Biennial.
He divides his time between the UK, Belgium, and India, connecting global perspectives in art-making, cultural strategy, and interdisciplinary research.
According to Shwetal, the sixth edition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (VK VI) “‘INTERSECTIONS & CONFLUENCES’ delves into the interconnectedness of creative practices and its implications for interdisciplinary work today. While we face numerous challenges, VK provides an opportunity for practitioners and the public to gather, converse, and reflect on new ways to live and work in harmony with each other and the planet.”
Ushmita Sahu, Director and Head Curator of Emami Art, Kolkata has a fine arts background from Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati University, she is known for her distinctive curatorial style that integrates design into her exhibitions. Sahu has curated national and international projects and has spoken at esteemed institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. She is based in Kolkata and Santiniketan, West Bengal.
At the event, Ushmita says, “The conversations and partnerships fostered here will open new pathways for designing a future that values diversity, equity, and the environment. VK VI is a space for bold ideas, but more importantly, it’s where those ideas are transformed into real-world impact.”
About Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of Kolkata Centre of Creativity
Richa Agarwal has been the recipient of awards like the New Indian Express Group DEVI Award 2022 and the Times Power Women Award 2018 for her entrepreneurial work. When talking about the annual conference at KCC, she says, “The principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—have always guided our vision. To see these principles come to life through rich dialogue and innovative thinking is incredibly rewarding.”
Richa Agarwal’s vision for the Kolkata Centre for Creativity and Emami Art is grounded in fostering a deeper appreciation for art, crafts, and cultural practices. She believes that “This symposium isn’t just about design, architecture, or art; it’s about building a community that values holistic growth, pushes boundaries, and addresses the challenges of our time with empathy and creativity. I’m personally inspired by the energy and commitment of everyone involved, and I believe the solutions born from this gathering will leave a lasting impact on the world we are working to build.”
About Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC)
KCC is a pioneering, multi-disciplinary, interactive art centre, purpose-built and housed in an accessible, green building that reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability. Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India and established in 2018, KCC is a unit of the Anamika Kala Sangam Trust. Through curated initiatives, KCC offers arts and culture collaborative efforts, education, research, support, mentorships, and programs for children and DEAI.
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