Explore how outdoor arts, like Mela, are powerful tools for fostering dialogue and rebuilding communities in times of division and unrest.

Click here to read the article

Drawing on lessons from the 1970s and 1980s, Ajay Chhabra highlights the importance of cultural initiatives in overcoming social challenges.

Despite funding cuts, Mela has proven essential in uniting diverse communities and promoting resilience.

“In times of turmoil, we all become refugees, regardless of our backgrounds or identities. Ignorance can’t distinguish between shades of brown. Cultural initiatives like Mela are not just festivals—they are platforms for dialogue, unity, and resilience, offering a space where we can begin to rebuild trust and understanding in fractured communities.”
– Ajay Chhabra, Co-founder and Co-artistic Director of Nutkhut

The Mela Report and grassroots efforts are reshaping policy, ensuring the arts are seen as a catalyst for social cohesion. This blog post explores how cultural engagement can bridge divides and pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient society.