Asean Music Festival 2017

ASEAN and India share common cultural and civilisational linkages that go back to ancient times. A lot of similarities can be found in literature, architecture, religious texts and folk practices. It is essential to strengthen the people-to-people and cultural ties by exploring the similarities while celebrating the differences and providing a platform for the artists to initiate a deeper understanding of the values and traditions of both ASEAN countries and India through arts.

In conjunction with celebrating the 25th anniversary of ASEAN India Diplomatic Dialogue Relations in 2017, and in synchronisation with India’s ‘Act East Policy’, the ASEAN India Artists’ Camp and the ASEAN India Music Festival were organised in India in 2017 by SEHER in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.

To further the relationship, SEHER then organised the second edition of the ASEAN India Artists’ Camp and ASEAN India Music Festival as ASEAN and India celebrated the 30th commemorative year of ASEAN India Diplomatic Dialogue Relations in 2022.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Purana Qila, aglow with the warm embrace of lanterns and lights, the music festivals featured bands from ASEAN countries – Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The three-day concert features names such as Tri Minh’s Quartet from Vietnam, Instamuzika from Malaysia, Lao Traditional Music Troupe, from Lao PDR, Linying band from Singapore, Raghav Meattle, Jonita Gandhi, Papon, Sukhbir Singh, and many more artists providing the quintessential backdrop for an extraordinary celebration of diversity.

The ASEAN-India Artist’s Camp editions featured 20 visual artists from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and India. The selected artists came from different painting styles and carried the essence of their own culture and history.

The ASEAN events aimed to promote cultural exchange and cultural understanding between ASEAN and India. ASEAN India Artists’ Camp encouraged a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich artistic traditions and practices in ASEAN and India and increased awareness of the ASEAN identity amongst creative intellectuals and the public at large. Through close interaction among artists and painters from ASEAN and India, the camp promoted awareness and a deeper understanding of the values and traditions of both sides. Each of the 20 artists created one work of art on an underlying theme. The artists also participated in various interactive cultural exchange activities such as lectures, showcases, and workshops, interacting with artists in other fields like music and dance.

Curator’s Note –

“While the general public may not be directly involved in diplomacy, they play a crucial role in promoting people-to-people contact and building harmonious relationships. Through mediums like music, dance, and art, the ASEAN events served as a flowing ocean of cultural exchange. Our efforts extend beyond creating interactive works of art, we aim to bring the hearts of artists from ASEAN countries and India closer. The ASEAN-India Music Festivals celebrated the rich tapestry of music in the region, providing a profound insight into the values and traditions of both ASEAN and India.