Art is not just about fun and entertainment but also education, which can especially benefit children during their early development. This week for Community Wise, The Pioneer brings to you about the first-ever online exclusive Children’s Art Museum of India (CAMI).
K. Ramya Sree
Young children explore paint by either putting it all over their hands or creating collages with torn paper, and it’s noticeable how involved they get in their activities. Children find a joy in exploring and creating art with its materials. These art experiences help children develop many life skills. Art exploration is not only fun and entertaining but also educational. Art is important for children, especially during their early development. Research shows that art activities develop brain capacity in early childhood.
The Children’s Art Museum of India (CAMI) is the country’s first-ever online art museum exclusively for and by children. This avant-garde platform serves as a one-stop solution for creative minds, where young talents assemble, exchange, and flourish, not just as
imaginative artisans but as kindred spirits. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing the boundless potential of artists under the tender age of 18, the brand expresses immense satisfaction in amplifying the resounding creative voices of these budding prodigies.
Today, we have with us Krish Nawal and Manya Roongta, founders of the Children’s Art Museum of India, who shared with us their motivation behind establishing this platform. “Both of us are fond of drawing and painting. Our platform emerged to address a significant gap in the art world. While numerous platforms focused on art instruction, there was a
dearth of platforms dedicated to showcasing the work of young artists. Additionally, young artists struggled to connect with and learn from their peers. The Children’s Art Museum of India fills these voids by providing a space for young artists to exhibit their creations and foster a supportive community. We aim to empower young artists, amplify their voices, and inspire creativity and connection among the next generation of artistic minds,” shared Krish.
According to the founders, the journey of creating and developing the Children’s Art Museum of India (CAMI) has been filled with exciting milestones and unique challenges. “The initial idea was quickly proposed to our advisor, and we swiftly began working on the website, knowing exactly what we wanted to achieve. A significant milestone was reaching 100 artworks on the website, which affirmed the need for such a platform and fueled our determination to continue. However, one of the challenges we faced was onboarding
schools and effectively communicating the purpose and value of the platform to a wider audience. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to promoting art and creativity among children in India,” said Manya, adding how their platform is helping young talents showcase their creativity: “CAMI provides a remarkable opportunity for children to submit their artwork free of cost, enabling them to showcase their skills and express themselves artistically. Additionally, CAMI encourages interaction among young artists by allowing them to explore the works of fellow artists, fostering a sense of community and inspiration. The museum’s monthly challenges and flash challenges further engage children, motivating them to push their boundaries and explore new artistic realms. The impact of CAMI on the children involved is immense, as it nurtures their confidence, creativity, and passion for the arts.”
The founders inform us that CAMI plays a vital role in fostering cultural exchange and promoting global understanding through art as it encourages the sharing of different cultural perspectives and artistic traditions. Through this exchange, children gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world’s cultural richness. Furthermore, CAMI’s online presence enables global access, allowing children from different countries to connect and appreciate each other’s artwork, fostering empathy, mutual respect, and global understanding through the universal language of art.
Now that we have informed you about how it functions, are you wondering how they reach out to schools and collaborate with them, just like we did during this interview? It is very simple! The founders explained to us, “We work closely with schools to raise art awareness and provide a platform for showcasing students’ hard work. Schools have their own
dedicated folder after signing up and have the option to keep their art folders public or private. With a private key, schools can share the folder with a select group of parents, facilitating appreciation and recognition. We collaborate with influencers and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to promote art among children in society. These partnerships help us engage with a wider audience and encourage more children to participate in the artistic journey.”
By collaborating with schools, communities, and other organisations, CAMI strives to create a broader impact and foster a culture of art appreciation among children.
Creativity fuels innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression. By encouraging children to explore their artistic abilities, we empower them to think outside the box, develop critical thinking skills, and embrace their unique perspectives. “Art appreciation cultivates empathy, cultural understanding, and emotional intelligence. It is through art that children discover their passions and find their voice. Let us provide them with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to unleash their creativity and make a positive impact on the world,” shared Krish.
As young entrepreneurs of the Children’s Art Museum of India, Krish and Manya shared their pieces of advice with aspiring individuals who want to create a positive impact through art and culture. “Follow your passion and believe in the power of art to bring about change,” they asserted, further sharing, “Immerse yourself in diverse artistic experiences and cultures to broaden your perspective and actively engage with your community by organising workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations that promote inclusivity and accessibility. Remember that your impact lies in inspiring others, fostering creativity, and using art as a catalyst for social change. Stay determined, resilient, and open-minded in your pursuit of making a difference through art and culture.”
In the coming days, they want their platform to be accessible to every child, both in rural and urban areas. They aim to promote Indian art and culture globally through their blogs, platform, newsletters, and on-ground events. One of their unique initiatives is launching the first-ever online art museum on Roblox in the Metaverse. This integration of art and technology allows them to create a captivating and immersive experience for children. Leveraging the popularity of Roblox, which has over 6,00,000 users daily, they could reach a wider audience and promote Indian heritage and culture.
If you want to submit your art or the work of your children, you can visit:
https://www. childrensartmuseumofindia.com/
