AFCP: Documentation of traditional culture and lifestyle of indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh for Sustainable Development
Supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation grant program, this project documents the 3000-year-old living traditions of 17 indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh through films, a website, and a coffee table book. It focuses on preserving and promoting their traditional culture, natural heritage, and the close linkages of nature and culture manifested in their lifestyle. The project, which kicked off in December 2021, in close collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has engaged more than 450 community representatives in mapping, and actively participating in the documentation and conservation process through workshops held across 39 towns and villages, some of them located in very remote locations including along the India-China border. In addition to the 35-minute documentary, 17 short films have been produced to capture the lifestyle traditions of 17 communities of Arunachal Pradesh (https://arunachallivingheritage.com/). The project will have a direct impact on the prospects for cultural tourism in the state. The project received a special mention in the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Cultural nature Prize 2022. (next four photos)
Puroik community at Rabha
AFCP partner: Contact Base
Sherdukpen community in workshop at Jigaon
AFCP partner: Contact Base
Shooting of Nyokum festival of Nyishis at Seppa
AFCP partner: Contact Base
Apatani women at Ziro
AFCP partner: Contact Base
AFCP – Documentation of Bengal Folk Music Traditions - Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, and Bangla Qawwali
This grant has led to re-establishing identity for these musician communities and their economic empowerment through preservation of indigenous cultural heritage. As a follow up to this grant, the Government of West Bengal in association with UNESCO supported these artist communities as part of the Rural Craft and Cultural Hub Project (2016-2019). Hundreds of these musicians are now pursuing their music as a livelihood, with a substantial increase in income. The Government has also supported development of a Bangla Qawaali Folk Art Centre at Jalangi in Murshidabad and held multiple Bhawaiya festivals. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India highlighted the artists in the Incredible India Weekend Getaway campaign from December 2020-January 2021. These marginalized artists, who once faced threats of extinction, are now regular performers online. (next two photos)
Release of Bangla Qawali CD
AFCP Kolkata: U.S. Consul General Helen LaFave releases CD of Bangla Qawali.
AFCP partner: Banglanatak dot com
Documentation of Bengal folk music genres
Documentation of Bengal folk music genres — Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, and Bangla Qawwali.
AFCP partner: Banglanatak dot com
