Tsuktiben Jamir
Children’s Art Museum of India (CAMI) was founded by Manya (16) and Krish (13) during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic came the lockdowns, and this put a stop to all activities outside the home. During this time, the duo came up with the idea of starting the Children’s Art Museum of India (CAMI), an online community for young artists, to provide them with a platform for self-expression through art while promoting creativity and community.
The venture highlights the response to a significant gap in the art world, where several platforms specialise in art institutions. Still, there was a severe lack of a dedicated venue to display the works of young artists. The young founder Manya says, “CAMI is a platform for the creative voice of all children in India. Here, we all share and grow together as artists and fellow human beings.”
She tells The Hans India, “Additionally, young artists struggled to connect and learn from their peers. Our platform fills these voids by allowing them to exhibit their creations and foster a supportive community. We aim to empower young artists, amplify their voices, and inspire creativity and connection among the next generation of artistic minds.”
CAMI has an advisory board that is comprised of leading Indian artists, educators, philanthropists, professionals, and social activists.
A good amount of thought was also put into making the platform online. The choice was made to create an online platform to guarantee inclusion and maximise audience exposure throughout rural and urban India. Krish, the co-founder, opines that in contrast to a traditional museum, an online platform allows kids from all across the nation to freely display their artwork without being constrained by geographical boundaries. Additionally, it promotes a safe, welcoming environment that promotes unlimited self-expression.
He says, “When you look at the worldwide web, there are hundreds of museums and art sites, but none dedicated to children’s works. CAMI is our place under the sun- for the children, by the children and of the children!” Krish continues by saying that the platform also makes it easier for parents to have meaningful discussions about art, critical thinking, and creative expression with their kids.
“At CAMI, we have also developed a Metaverse game on Roblox -Children’s Art Museum, to let users relish art museums in 3D and enjoy their artwork in an immersive experience.”
The platform additionally provides complimentary art education to aspiring young artists, ensuring that individuals with talent can nurture their skills and exhibit their creations regardless of their backgrounds. Given the absence of art appreciation classes in most local schools, Krish and Manya perceive this as an opportunity to uncover various artworks’ inherent beauty and significance. Manya and Krish vehemently contend that a love of art encourages the exploration of many cultures, emotions, and perspectives, supporting the growth of empathy and creativity.
Children are offered a wide range of opportunities through the online platform, including the exploration of the rich artistic and cultural heritage of our country. They get to interact with the wide range of artwork their peers produce, take part in monthly challenges, learn fascinating facts about artistic works, and get inspiration for their creative projects from the comfort of their homes. They also present their work in the virtual gallery, creating a unique space for sharing and appreciating.
