The study on the cutting-edge arts curriculum created by the NalandaWay Foundation for kids from marginalised neighbourhoods in Delhi was released by Ms. Atishi, the minister of education for Delhi. The paper aims to offer insightful information about the positive effects of art-based education.

Students aged three to ten have been able to develop specific competencies in five different art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, and media arts, thanks to the Delhi Arts Curriculum, which was piloted in nine government schools in Delhi. The curriculum emphasises the development of social-emotional skills, which are essential for success in life, in addition to cultivating creative potential.

At the report’s release ceremony, which took place at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Mandi House, New Delhi, an exhibition of student-made installations and other works of art from the pilot project’s creative phase were also on display. On April 19, 2023, the event is free and accessible to the public from 10 am to 6 pm.

By working together with the Directorate of Education, GNCTD, the NalandaWay Foundation has converted schools into lively, artistic settings that encourage both student and teacher creative discovery. The report launch event is a fantastic chance to see firsthand how art-based education can alter lives and get crucial information about how it affects marginalised populations.

Founder and CEO of the NalandaWay Foundation, Sriram V: NalandaWay has consistently believed in the ability of the arts to transform. “For us, arts have been a key driver for social change. 3 years ago, when we signed the MoU with the Delhi government to introduce an arts curriculum in government schools, we used the opportunity to introduce visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and media arts every day for all ages from all ages 3 to 13 years. At the end of the artful academic year, we were thrilled by the outcomes for children as well as teachers. The arts curriculum led children to appreciate art, learn art skills and improve socioemotional skills- an increase in student attendance, participation, confidence, and social skills was observed; while for the teachers, it led to improved creative confidence in teaching arts.”

He continued, “Following this pilot project, we now plan to continue our partnership with the Delhi government for the next phase of scale, by training government teachers on art-based skills and other recommendations cited in the report.  This is informed from our work across State governments, including that of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand and J&K. Over the last 16 years, NalandaWay Foundation’s work in urban slums, anganwadis, children’s homes, rural panchayat, government and corporation schools across the country has benefited more than 5 million (50,00,000) vulnerable children. This is a step in taking it to every child in the national capital of Delhi.”

Director of Education & Sports for the Delhi NCT, Shri Himanshu Gupta: The National Education Policy, 2020’s proposals led to the development of the Delhi Arts Curriculum, which aims to integrate the arts into the education of all students in Delhi Government schools. Following teacher training, the curriculum was introduced as a pilot in a few Sarvodaya schools. I have observed the pupils enthusiastically participating in art lessons at Nalanda Way, exploring the worlds of media arts, music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Children are clearly excited as they enter the art courses because they are fully immersed in the world of painting. The Indian and international contexts have become more accessible as a result of learning about the methods employed by artists like Frida Kahle, Vincent van Gogh, and S.H. Raza, among others. The study “Delhi Arts Curriculum: Findings from the Pilot Study” talks about how kids need to have fun and be creative as part of their regular schooling. The paper offers significant insights and suggestions to incorporate art into every child’s learning and development at a time when learning loss is a pressing concern. We are currently trying to determine the next course of action to guarantee that arts education is included in all Delhi Government schools.