The mountainous region of our country is abundant with talent across various fields. However, due to a lack of opportunities and recognition, these individuals often do not have the chance to excel in their respective domains.
The BAF Award is conceived with the intention of recognizing and appreciating the creativity, hard work, and skills of individuals in the field of art. By formally acknowledging these accomplishments, the BAF Award serves as a source of encouragement and motivation, inspiring recipients and others to strive for excellence and continuously improve their skills.
BAF firmly believes that highlighting exceptional talents can inspire others to pursue similar goals and aspirations, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
GUIDELINES
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The BAF award is open to all artists originating from Uttarakhand who are between the age of 18 and 35.
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Accepted dimensions for submitted paintings are as follows:
Minimum size: 12 x 12 inches
Maximum size: 48 x 48 inches
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The best fifteen (15) entries (artworks) will be selected for an exhibition in Dehradun.
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Out of the selected artworks, three (3) BAF awards will be granted, each consisting of a cash prize of ₹10,000 and a BAF memento.
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The deadline for submitting your application is 30th September 2024.
BAF AWARD 2024
As the founder of the Bangani Art Foundation and an artist, I am committed to fostering the artistic potential inherent in the mountainous regions of India, particularly Uttarakhand. The BAF initiative emerged from a profound recognition of the untapped talent thriving in areas where artists face significant challenges due to a lack of resources, exposure, and access to venues for exhibiting their work. Consequently, the foundation provides mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for growth and acknowledgment to these emerging artists and art students. Our mission is grounded in the belief that addressing the unique challenges faced by artists in remote areas will help them unlock their full creative potential.
The mountainous landscapes of India are not only sources of natural beauty but also reservoirs of rich, yet underappreciated, creative talent. The remoteness of these regions, combined with insufficient institutional support and recognition, has historically contributed to the marginalization of artists and their work. In this context, the Bangani Art Foundation undertakes the task of bridging this gap. By offering platforms for artistic expression and creating opportunities for visibility, we strive to ensure that the dedication and skill of artists from these regions receive the recognition they deserve. Our commitment to promoting and celebrating artistic endeavors is rooted in the belief that nurturing creativity will significantly contribute to the cultural vibrancy of these areas.
One of the prominent initiatives through which the Bangani Art Foundation seeks to achieve this goal is the establishment of the BAF Award. This award formally recognizes the creativity, perseverance, and technical prowess of artists, serving as a powerful acknowledgment of their dedication. Through the BAF Award, we aim to celebrate artistic excellence while inspiring other emerging artists to pursue their creative journeys with confidence. In the award process for 2024, the initial jury phase was conducted by artist Ingrid Pitzer, based in Delhi. Out of 47 submissions, 17 exceptional works were shortlisted, showcasing some of the finest artistic talent from across Uttarakhand. Additionally, three promising emerging artists—Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, and Aakash—who have been mentored by me over the past few years and have been closely associated with the foundation, were invited to participate in the exhibition. A total of 20 artworks by these young artists will be showcased in a month-long exhibition at Laata Café in Dehradun, providing them with public visibility and potential sales opportunities that could significantly advance their careers. The award represents both a recognition of the transformative power of art and an invitation to the wider community to appreciate, support, and invest in the artistic efforts of these talented individuals. Following the exhibition, a secondary jury, led by me, conducted an in-person evaluation to identify three outstanding artorks. The creators of these works will be honored with a commemorative BAF memento and a cash prize of ₹10,000. “This recognition serves as a tangible investment in the professional growth of these artists, encouraging them to continue their artistic journeys."
Jagmohan Bangani
WINNERS: BAF AWARD 2024
Lakshya Shah
Geeta Tewari
Harshita Lohani
Glimpses of the BAF Award Ceremony
