OUR HISTORY, THEIR TIMES – Kolkata India

Project Description

“Our History, Their Times” is a public art project by ThinkArts that invites teenagers to explore historical narratives through a contemporary lens. The project takes place at the Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata, a historically significant site, encouraging teens to reflect on how history intersects with their own lived experiences. It highlights youth agency and believes that young people should be an active part of the cultural conversations of their city.

The Role of Teens in the Project

The teenagers’ role is that of co-curators, and their involvement spans across various stages of the project:

• Selection: Teens select historical figures or events to re-interpret
• Creative Reinterpretation: They creatively reinterpret these historical narratives using theatre, visual arts, and digital storytelling.
• Production: They produce and create the final exhibition, with guidance and feedback from experts.
• Research: They conduct their own independent research to inform their artistic work.

Unique Project Feature

The uniqueness of “Our History, Their Times” lies in its approach of transforming a public historical site into a living laboratory for youth-led exploration and creation. By empowering teenagers to act as co-curators and producers, the project not only makes history more relevant but also positions young people as key agents in shaping cultural conversations. It provides a new point of access to historical spaces, making them more accessible and engaging for a younger generation.

Organization Details

• Name: ThinkArts
• Country: India
• City: Kolkata
• Email: info@thinkarts.co.in
• Phone: +91 9831256730