I started Kauri in 2023 to create a community space in Varanasi where children can share and explore their interests and ideas through art and storytelling.
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Since its inception, Kauri has designed multiple initiatives for children, including artist-led workshops, storytelling and art events.
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Kauri provides a supportive and accessible space where children can explore their creativity and form meaningful connections with artists and peers, both within and beyond the community. It also aims to create a culture in which more parents actively engage with art and cultural activities, recognising their importance in child development.
FEATURED PROJECTS
1
Artist-led Workshop Series
Role: Creative Programming
Objective: Curating and facilitating workshops and events that enrich children's artistic and storytelling experiences while expanding their exposure to diverse styles, techniques, and creative perspectives.
The first series of artist-led workshops at Kauri was curated around the themes of connection with surroundings and emotional expression. Conducted by artists and initiatives from across India—including poets, writers, and a museum—the workshops engaged children in new ways of exploring art and storytelling through poetry, foraging, zine-making, comic-making, stop-motion animation, short story writing, mixed media art, and world-building.
My role involved curating the workshop series, collaborating with artists, facilitating the sessions and managing outreach. Encouraging guardians to recognise the value of these workshops and invest their time was a challenge. However, by the first day of the series, we had reached the maximum registration limit, and it truly felt as if Kauri had come to life!
To document the many creations from the workshops—for children and their guardians to remember, for visiting artists to reflect on, and for sharing with a wider audience—I curated the children's work into an interactive online webpage. It features creations such as stop-motion films, stories, zine GIFs, and an art gallery. This page, showcasing the children's imagination and creativity, was viewed by over 200 people and remains accessible to anyone interested in exploring it.​​
2
After-School Program
Role: Curriculum Design and Implementation
Objective: Designing a holistic after-school program that balances play and learning, engaging children's interests while considering guardians' preferences.
The After-School Program is designed to foster holistic development by enhancing literacy, creative expression, social and emotional development, and overall well-being.
Through activities, it complements children's school learning and level-specific skill development, nurturing their natural curiosity and encouraging them to apply their learning across different areas in meaningful ways.
The program includes level-wise reading programs, storytelling and language modules, artistic expression, mindfulness practices, and fitness sessions.
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I design and curate the program, manage outreach, and train facilitators to deliver the modules effectively.
3
Building Kauri's Space
Role: Space and Design
Objective: Creating versatile and open spaces through refurbishing furniture and repurposing reclaimed materials.
This was my first self-taught project, where I transformed an unused building into a children's centre. My favourite part was reimagining woodwork and incorporating materials like hemp for displays, learning areas, storage, and props. Turning concrete into green spaces and filling the walls with murals is an ongoing process, and I love getting children involved along the way.
Creating the children's library at Kauri was my favourite part. It holds a carefully curated collection of level-specific books on themes like people and places, art, identity, social movements, and folk stories. The books are displayed in a way that invites children to explore and read at their own pace. The library also features a simple, guided issue system designed for easy use by children.
4
Brand Identity
Role: Art Direction, Conceptualisation
Objective: Creating an identity for the city's first independent children's centre, reflecting its essence and purpose.
To shape Kauri’s identity, I took inspiration from the children I work with in schools. They helped choose the colour palette and decide which rooms the centre would have, based on their collective interests. I collaborated with a friend who loves to illustrate to create digital assets, while painting the walls became a process of exploring catalogues and combinations.
Every child illustrated in the tree is inspired by one I've met, and if you zoom in, you'll see that each has a unique character. This illustration was created with my friend, Anushree Joshi.
COLLBORATE
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​​Facilitate creative workshops for children
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Introduce the after school program at your initiative
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Co-host an art and literary event ​