“Art doesn’t have a shelf life as it just keeps getting better,” Says Deepa Shetty, (Co) Founder of Art18 India
Mumbai 2021: Art has been one of the most cherished skills since the beginning of human civilization. From the stone age where various figurines were scribbled on surfaces to how having an art piece sold out for lacks of rupees, there seems to be a perpetual rise in the stakes. Whilst there are these renowned artists who make a fortune selling just a single piece of art, there are many independent artists who struggle to even peruse it as a profession. Our nation tries its best to protect various art forms and artists, being an independent artist in India is still majorly perceived as a hobby rather than a profession.
Art Day is celebrated around the world on the 15th of April, and it is one day where there is special attention given to art around the world. Though this pandemic has restricted many festivities, artist around the world is still being celebrated virtually. Whilst looking for a platform which focuses on empowering independent artist, we found Art 18 India. It is an online portal that supports this talented independent artist and ensures that they keep getting regular projects. Their only forte is to ensure that they beautify our entire nation with one art piece at a time.
The idea of ART18 India was born
When asked Deepa __, the (Co) Founder of Art18 India, about what inspired her to start with this initiative, mentioned “I was always fascinated about art and since my college days as I used to participate in many art competitions and someday wanted to become an artist. It was always told to me that I could peruse art as a hobby but I need to have a full-time job. After quitting my job as an HR, I decided to invest my time in painting rather than sitting idle at home. It was the most fulfilling feeling when one after other my art pieces got curated but I never thought of it as a profession until I received an inquiry from someone willing to purchase my artwork.
This is when I decided to peruse it as a full-time career. While I was enjoying the entire experience, I realized that art doesn’t have a shelf life as it just keeps getting better and there would be so many individuals like me who would be more passionate and talented than me but due to the lack of a platform are not able to capitalize on it, and hence the idea of ART18 India was born.
Speaking further, she added, “Initially it was tough for us to spread the word out and get artists to enroll with us, but the support from my family and friends have been immensely helpful, which helped us connect with many art enthusiasts and independent artist and create a platform which benefits both of them while developing the value of art and culture simultaneously. Today we are actively working with more than 70 artists and are able to provide some income to them despite the COVID 19 pandemic. We hope to collaborate and work with many more independent artists in the near future and empower them to achieve their dreams.