Pune: The Paalvia Foundation, a social initiative by Nukkad Cafe, is set to organize Pune’s first-ever slum art festival, the Awrt Festival, on 1st and 2nd February 2025.

Scheduled to take place at Genu Bhau Khese Prathamik Vidhyalya, PMC School, 509 Chowk, Airport Road, Pune, the festival begins at 11:00 am and promises a celebration of arts, literature, and culture in underprivileged communities.

Organized in collaboration with Bhagyashali Bhavishya Shiksha Foundation (BBngo) and supported by key partners including Cadet Training Wing - CME, MIT-ADT University, Slam Out Loud, National HRD Network, Cultural Connect, CulMosaic Foundation, and Saturday Art Class, the festival aims to inspire and uplift slum residents through diverse art forms.

The two-day festival will feature performances by residents of Burma Shell Basti and nearby areas, alongside invited guest artists. Events include:

• Interactive Art Workshops: Warli painting, sketching, and mask painting.

• Performances by Children: Original songs, rap, music, and poetry.

• Guest Performances: Classical dance, street plays, storytelling, clowning, and puppet shows.

• Art Exhibition: Displaying artwork by children aged 8-14 from the slum and professional artists, with an emphasis on Warli and Mandala art.

Vaibhav Paliwal, Founder of Paalvia Foundation and Nukkad Café, stated, “Art holds an inherent ability to touch lives and bring transformation at individual and community levels. Inspired by its impact, I started Paalvia Foundation with the goal of promoting wellness, social harmony, and creativity through arts and cultural activities. The Awrt Festival is a celebration of the progress made by slum residents, especially children and women, who have been trained in various art forms like songwriting, Mandala art, and singing.”

Kajari Mitra, Founder of BBngo, highlighted the cognitive benefits of art and cultural activities, saying, “Introducing art to children in slum communities helps enhance their cognitive development, which ultimately aids their academic growth. I am thrilled to see such diverse art forms introduced to the children of the basti.