INDIA-UK PROJECT
INDIA-UK PROJECT REPORT
Cross-Cultural Art Exchange & Exhibition at Manchester and London
Under SUP – Something Useful ProjectV & Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University
Introduction
This report documents the successful execution of an international art exchange and exhibition project conducted under the IDPT-SCET, Sarvajanik University in collaboration with the UK-based NGO called “Something Useful Project”. The program aimed to bring together students and faculties from MS-IDPT,Sarvajanik University and creative professionals from the UK, culminating in exhibitions in both India and the United Kingdom.
Project Timeline: Phase -1
The project began in January 2025 with a series of hands-on, interdisciplinary workshops with UK based Artists at Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts, IDPT-SCET. The workshops continued through March and concluded with exhibitions at two major venues in Surat: the Sir K. P. Museum and the Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts campus.
These workshops encouraged more than 87 students from various departments—fine arts, applied arts, design, sculpture, and photography—to explore and create works rooted in cultural identity and environmental consciousness.
International Exhibition at UK : Phase-2
Among the many talented participants from above workshops, two students were selected to represent MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University in the international exhibitions to exhibit the art works done during workshops by IDPT-SCET
Mr. Nitayam Zaveri from Fine Arts , IDPT-SCET
Mr. Manav Sumra from Architecture, IDPT-SCET
Along with these, Our two faculties,
Prof. Rajarshi Smart , Astt. Professor, IDPT-SCET
Prof. Naishadh Jani – Astt. Professor, IDPT-SCET
Together, they have curated the final exhibition and served as institutional representatives from MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University.
The opening eve on 23rd July at Salford University, Manchester & 29 July 2025 at XYZ Gallery, London was a remarkable success. The event saw the presence of more than 200 artists, art educators, students, and cultural professionals from across disciplines and nationalities. The gallery was filled with engaging conversations, thoughtful reflections, and appreciation for the emerging voices of Indian art students.Visitors experienced an eclectic body of work—from photography and Garden design to conceptual installations and nature-based art. The energy and diversity of the opening night truly reflected the spirit of this cross-cultural exchange.
Collaborative Support and Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the immense support of the following individuals and teams:
Prof. Persi Engineer, Principal of MS-IDPT, Sarvajanik University, whose leadership, encouragement, and belief in the potential of international collaboration laid the foundation for this entire journey.
The entire faculty and staff of MS-IDPTand Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts who offered constant mentorship, organizational assistance, and institutional support at every stage.
The core team of SUP – Something Useful Project:
o Damian Ryne, for his logistical coordination and cultural insights
o Sangita Mistry, for her continued support in managing cross-cultural collaboration
We are also grateful to the Taiwanese students and faculty, who assisted in installing the exhibition in London and offering valuable insights drawn from their own international experiences.
Outcomes and Impact
This project created meaningful cultural exchange and global exposure for students and faculties from MS-IDPT,Sarvajanik university, surat. It encouraged cross-disciplinary thinking by integrating fine art, design, garden design, and photography. For many of our students, this was their first time participating in a large-scale, international project, boosting their confidence and widening their creative perspectives.
Beyond the art itself, this initiative also forged stronger institutional ties between Sarvajanik University and international partners, paving the way for future residencies, exhibitions, and academic collaborations.
Visual Documentation & Day wise summery :
Day 01 – 20/07/2025
The visit began with an introductory meeting with the coordinator, Ms. Sangita Mistary, followed by a guided tour of the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Manchester Museum, and the University of Manchester. This allowed the participants to gain valuable exposure to internationally renowned collections and curatorial practices. The day also included interactive sessions with local artists and curators, which provided insightful exchanges on contemporary art trends. In the evening, a meeting was arranged with faculty and students from Taiwan, paving the way for cross-cultural discussions.
Day 02 – 21/07/2025
The delegation visited the University of Salford, where preparations for the upcoming exhibition began. In collaboration with Ms. Sangita Mistary and the Taiwan group, the curation process was initiated. Under the leadership of Prof. Rajarshi Samrt and Prof. Naishadh Jani, the team successfully curated the exhibition titled Confluence: Arts across Boundaries, which aimed at highlighting intercultural artistic dialogue.
Day 03 – 22/07/2025
Final arrangements for the exhibition were carried out, with students actively participating in setting up the displays. The day was largely dedicated to perfecting the presentation and preparing for the inauguration ceremony.
Day 04 – 23/07/2025
The exhibition was officially inaugurated at 5:00 PM. The event was graced by professors and students of the University of Salford, alongside members of the local artistic community. The inauguration marked an important moment of cultural exchange and appreciation, receiving an encouraging response from visitors and also we initiated dialogues for further collaboration with IDPT-SCET, Sarvajanik University and university of Salford.
Day 05 – 24/07/2025
The delegation travelled to Liverpool to visit the Liverpool Biennial exhibitions, an internationally significant platform for contemporary art. The group also explored various design and art exhibitions, including the prestigious RIBA
(Royal Institute of British Architects) exhibition, as well as the Liverpool Record Office, which enriched their understanding of archival practices and cultural history.
Day 06 – 25/07/2025
The day was spent at the University of Salford. The delegation had the opportunity to tour the Visual Art & Design Department and the Architecture Department, with detailed visits to their workshops and facilities. This provided valuable insights into academic infrastructure and studio-based learning. Later, the exhibition was concluded, and all artworks were carefully dismantled, packed, and prepared for transportation to London.
Day 07 – 26/07/2025
The day was dedicated to exploring two important cultural spaces in Manchester—the Manchester Art Gallery and the Islington Mill open studios. At the gallery, we have the opportunity to closely experience a wide range of works, from historic collections to contemporary practices, which offered a sense of how the city preserves its artistic heritage while simultaneously encouraging new dialogues in art.
Later, at Islington Mill, we visited numerous artist studios, each space reflecting a distinct personality, process, and approach to creation. The open studio setting adopted an atmosphere of exchange and curiosity, where we engaged in rich conversations with artists from diverse disciplines—writers, painters, sculptors, and conceptual practitioners. These discussions not only opened insights into their individual practices but also highlighted the dynamic artistic community that thrives in Manchester.
DAY 08 – 27/07/2025
The team travelled from Manchester to London with the artworks. Upon arrival in the evening, accommodation arrangements were made, and the group met Mr. Damian Ryne over dinner to discuss upcoming plans for the exhibition at XYZ Gallery in London.
Day 09 – 28/07/2025
The day was dedicated to visiting the XYZ Gallery & Studio along with the Taiwan group and Mr. Damian Ryne. Detailed discussions on the curation of the exhibition took place with Danny and Margarita, focusing on layout, display strategies, and conceptual alignment. This was followed by initiating the display process, which required long hours of careful planning and execution. The day concluded with most of the works being arranged in preparation for the final presentation.
Day 10 – 29/07/2025
Final preparations for the exhibition were completed in the morning. And At 5:00 PM, the show was formally inaugurated at the XYZ Gallery. The opening was attended by a vibrant mix of artists, art enthusiasts, curators, and gallerists, creating a lively atmosphere of cultural dialogue. The exhibition received an enthusiastic response, and several professionals expressed keen interest in exploring collaborative projects with our institution and students, thereby opening possibilities for future international engagements.
Day 11 – 30/07/2025
A special charity workshop titled “Impression India” was conducted, focusing on traditional motifs and block printing practices. The workshop witnessed active participation from a wide range of attendees. Prof. Naishadh Jani delivered a presentation on the cultural significance of Barmasa and its deep connection with motifs, while Prof. Rajarshi Smart provided an insightful demonstration of Indian printmaking techniques, particularly block printing. Participants engaged with hands-on experiences of creating prints using traditional motifs. In the evening, a drawing session was organized with Alex, a London-based artist, who shared his practice of live drawing, offering participants a unique perspective on contemporary artistic methods.
Day 12 – 31/07/2025
As part of the cultural exchange program, we visited the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, where we engaged with some of the finest examples of European painting traditions and portraiture. In the evening, the team visited the Whitechapel Gallery to view the exhibition of a contemporary UK-based artist, which provided valuable exposure to current artistic practices in London’s vibrant art scene.
Day 13 – 01/08/2025
The day was devoted to exploring two iconic institutions: the Tate Britain Museum and the British Museum, which together offered a rich journey through British art history, world heritage, and cross-cultural artefacts. In the evening, the exhibition at XYZ Gallery was formally concluded and the artworks were carefully dismantled and packed, marking the closure of this important chapter of the program.
Day 14 – 02/08/2025
The final day in London began with visits to the Tate Modern Museum and the Design Museum, where team were introduced to ground-breaking contemporary art practices, innovative design approaches, and multidisciplinary perspectives. Later in the evening, the team met with Mr. Damian Ryne for a reflective discussion on the overall experience of the program, reviewing its outcomes, and identifying further possibilities for future collaborative initiatives between the institutions.
Day 15 – 03/08/2025
The visit concluded as the team boarded the flight back to India, carrying with them not only the artworks but also a wealth of experiences, meaningful interactions, and potential avenues for cross-cultural artistic collaborations in the future.
Conclusion
This exhibition marks a historic milestone in the journey of Sarvajanik School of Fine Arts ,MS-IDPT.It is not merely an art event but a testament to the transformative power of education, creativity, and international collaboration. By engaging more than 87 students in a process that combined hands-on learning, interdisciplinary practice, and global exposure, the project has demonstrated the university’s commitment to preparing its students for a truly global stage.The India–UK Residency and Exhibition have shown how art can transcend geographical, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries, creating a shared language of dialogue and understanding. The overwhelming response received in both India and the UK — from students, faculty, professional artists, and audiences — reflects the success of this initiative and validates the efforts of everyone involved.
This project also highlights the importance of cross-cultural partnerships. Collaborations with artists, and with organizations like SUP – Something Useful Project, brought new perspectives that enriched the experiences of our students. The support of Taiwanese students and faculty further emphasized how global artistic networks can strengthen and sustain such meaningful initiatives.Above all, this initiative has opened new pathways for students — providing them with not only the opportunity to showcase their work internationally but also the confidence to see themselves as contributors to the global art community. By doing so, the university has reinforced its vision of empowering the next generation of artists to think beyond local boundaries and engage with international discourses in contemporary art and design.
In essence, this exhibition is not only about the works displayed — it is about the journey of collaboration, learning, and mutual respect that brought them to life. It reminds us that art has the unique ability to build bridges — between people, cultures, and communities — and to spark the conversations that shape a more connected world.
