ABOUT BRIDGE2WORLDS
BRIDGE 2 WORLDS -A cultural project organised by IMA Foundation
IMA has been registered in 2019 in India and in London 2008. IMA Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting Indian artistic talent both in India and in the international arena since 2008. The stated purpose of the organisation is to “Champion the Cultural DNA of the Indian Nation” This was most significantly realised when in 2017, IMA was chosen by UNESCO to represent India at the World Humanities Conference in Liege, Belgium.
BRIDGE2WORLDS is part of a series of art events organised by IMA Foundation both in India and the UK from 2008 to the present. The most recent events were held in in Pune (March 24 and prior to that in Ahmedabad Dec 2023). The focus of these art events involving Indian and some international artists both senior and emerging artists and members of society was on building confidence and connections in this post-pandemic period for both artists and society as a whole. In particular, the intention is to help establish important connections between the past and contemporary art traditions, connect artists from different regions and cultures and most importantly to address the generational gap which exists in families between children and their parents through lack of mutual understanding and good communication.
Radha Binod Sharma has curated these events in a recognition that art has the power to unify all those in society. In 1971 as a youngster at the age of four years, he witnessed the struggle of the people of East Pakistan many of whom sought refuge in his home town. He grew up with them throughout his childhood and early adulthood, sensing their challenges and their trauma which was to leave a lasting impression in his mind. The turbulence and disruption required people in that environment to find consolation and support from each other. It also led Radha Binod to see the power of art as a powerful and healing force in his own life and for society as a whole.
ABOUT IMA FOUNDATION
IMA is a registered organisation in India (2019) and in London (2008). The organisation was established with the core purpose of curating, promoting cultivating the best of contemporary Indian and international artistic talent.
IMA means mother in the Manipuri language, and this carries the essence of the purpose which is to nurture and celebrate the colour, beauty and life-enhancing quality of artistic expression stemming from rich cultural traditions worldwide. The authenticity of expression and the inherent potential of the artists are the guiding principles for selecting, and promoting the artists deemed to be the present and future Standard Bearers for Indian and international art.
Our social purpose is to ensure the Indian cultural traditions and the endangered arts of India are showcased to preserve this for future generations and to inspire the next generation of artists across all genres; for example, in 2017, IMA Foundation was chosen to represent India at the World Humanities Conference hosted by UNESCO. The endangered martial art-form of Thang-ta was shown at the Opening and Closing ceremonies which was well received and acknowledged as “a unique cultural spectacle” by the international audience.
Our educational purpose is to help inspire and educate people across the world by promoting Indian cultural traditions which are deeply rooted in our philosophical knowledge and expressed across all art forms including: music, dance, poetry, art, sculpture and beyond.
IMA is also philosophically committed to helping humankind to use creativity to find self-expression and heighten their voice and identity. Creativity is seen as ’a force for good’ which when harnessed helps us to tap into intuitive know-how and supports individuals to harmonise and heal their heart, mind, and soul. Internal integration is the root basis and emotional soil from where ideas and possibilities can emerge for the benefit of individuals, their families, and communities.