What ARISA did in July!
Integrating the arts and sciences for real-world impact.
Hey folks!
July came and went by and left us with lots to talk about! Here’s a rundown of what ARISA has been up to :)
Film Screening
We screened Happy Together, on the 6th of July! It’s a film by one of the most beloved directors in cinema, Wong Kar-wai. This film follows the story of Yiu (played by Tony Leung) and Po (played by Leslie Cheung) a gay couple from Hong Kong with a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent separations and reconciliations.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and took part in the amazing discussion that followed the screening! The film’s emotional depth, innovative cinematography, and the way it challenges traditional narratives around queer relationships made for amazing points of discussion.
Clean-up Drive
On 21st July 2024, we collaborated with Ecoforce for a clean up drive on Vetal Tekdi, Pune. Around 16 people participated and in one and a half hours we collected 15 kg of garbage and glass waste!
Thank you to everyone who joined our clean-up drive! Your participation made our city and our environment a tad bit cleaner - and that makes all the difference.
Podcast: Native Narratives
Through our podcast, Native Narratives: Dialogues on Art and Science, ARISA aims to create a platform where the diverse voices of extraordinary artists and scientists can engage in cultural conversations that transcend boundaries! We invite you to be a part of it too! Let us know what you think about our podcast and follow our socials for similar conversations around the arts and sciences! 🎙️
Episode 5 - Art & Identity
This episode of Native Narratives is about how one's identity influences their relationship with art! To discuss this, we have Sagar Dave joining us! A software engineer by qualification, the creative bug got the better of him and he pivoted to pursue a career in digital media. Gardening, art, animals and writing top the list of his favourites. Sagar dabbled in terrarium making just before the pandemic hit, and soon it became a passion, one that got him through the periods of isolation and uncertainty. A digital strategist on weekdays, his weekends are spent building his hobby-turned-business 'Jungle in a Jar.' Talking to Sagar is Varun Kheria, ARISA's science communicator and content writer.
You can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify!
Episode 6 - Currents of Dance & Science
Radhika Mulay joins us for this episode of the podcast to talk about her careers as a dancer and a water researcher! Watch as she dives deep into her dual careers! 💃🌊 Discover her inspiring journey, the challenges she faces, and how she masterfully balances these two passions. You won't want to miss this unique blend of art and science!
You can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify!
Blog: Aesthetic Alchemy
Aesthetics of Biodiversity
Besides the environmental and socio-economic importance of biodiversity, which is often explored in more biology focused articles, it has a lot of creative and aesthetic potential! Humans have always sought inspiration from nature for their art. Artists and designers can produce works that resonate with the natural world and strengthen our connection to it by incorporating elements of nature's different forms, colours, and patterns into their work.
This notion encompasses urban planning as well. Cities, which are sometimes viewed as concrete jungles, can have green spaces that mimic natural ecosystems. Parks, green roofs, and vertical gardens are examples of how to improve urban aesthetics while fostering biodiversity. These environmentally friendly designs promote ecological balance and sustainability by beautifying cities and provide habitats for a variety of species.
You can read the full blog on our website!
Upcoming Events
A dance workshop that celebrates the spirit of found family!
Movement has a transformative power as a medium for self-discovery. We are excited for you to join us for an immersive movement therapy session. This session would focus on some topics such as self-identity, community, support, queer friendships, our everyday interactions and relationships and the spirit of found family.
No prior dance experience is required! We hope to provide a supportive and enriching environment to help you connect with yourself in a meaningful way.
You can register via this link - https://forms.gle/jshNMDeiUtEGTWx66
Please note that this is a workshop for you and your friend. You're encouraged to bring a friend along with you! The fee for your dance partner is included in the 400/- that you are registering with.
Thank you for supporting ARISA Foundation! We are a not-for-profit research and social work organization that bridges the arts and sciences to advance academic research in psychology, neuroscience, and neuroaesthetics, preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and promote social change.
With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, science communication, and community engagement, we aim to make the sciences and arts open, equitable, and accessible to all.
Contact us (info@arisafoundation.org) if you want to know more about our work, collaborate, work, or volunteer with us!