New Delhi, Feb 28, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), inaugurated the fourth season of its flagship art initiative – ‘Art for hope.’ The three-day art and culture festival felicitates 50 grant-winning artists and art collectives from 15 states across India with a total grant of INR 60 Lakhs. Championing artistic expression, the ‘Art for hope’ initiative reflects HMIF’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent, preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, and fostering a future where creativity fuels social progress. The grantees comprise 40 individual artists including 5 grants for persons with disabilities, and 10 art collectives.
The fourth season of ‘Art for hope’ was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, in the presence of Unsoo Kim, Managing Director - HMIL, Gopalakrishnan CS, Trustee - HMIF, Jeongick Lee, Function Head - Corporate Affairs, HMIL, and Puneet Anand, Vertical Head - Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, at Travancore Palace, New Delhi.
Commenting on the significance of ‘Art for hope’, minister Shekhawat said, “Art has the power to inspire, educate, and unite cultures and communities. ‘Art for hope’ is a commendable initiative by Hyundai Motor India Foundation, that not only supports artists but also preserves and promotes India’s diverse cultural expressions. By empowering emerging and under-represented artists, this program ensures that traditional and contemporary art continues to thrive and flourish. Hyundai Motor India’s dedication to nurturing art reflects their commitment to nation-building.”
Speaking at the inaugural event of ‘Art for hope - Season 4’, HMIL Managing Director Kim said, “At Hyundai Motor India Limited, our vision of driving ‘Progress for Humanity’ is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building not just cars, but a better future for Bharat. The Art for hope initiative reflects our deep commitment to India, respect for its diverse traditions and the extraordinary potential of its people. With Season 4 of the program, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing creativity, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Our success is linked to the progress of the communities we serve, and initiatives such as Art for hope are vital towards this direction.”
Key highlights of Art for hope - Season 4 are: art workshops on traditional forms such as Sanjhi papercut art from Mathura, Lippan art from Gujarat, and Kalamkari art from Andhra Pradesh; theater performances by artists from New Delhi and Maharashtra, along with dance and documentary showcases featuring Lavani, Ottan Thullal, Theyyam, and Yakshagana; special musical performance by a band of talented artists with disabilities; stalls supporting 15 eco-friendly art and craft NGO’s and small enterprises; and speaker sessions and roundtable discussions on topics such as ‘Art from Waste’ and ‘Inclusivity in Design and the Arts’.
The exhibition is accessible to visitors with mobility issues, hearing and vision impairment through tactile artworks, audio-visual sign language tours, and braille descriptions. Through ‘Art for hope,’ grant recipients receive not only financial assistance, but also social and professional recognition besides emotional support, helping them build sustainable careers in their respective artforms. Over the past four seasons, HMIF has empowered 150 artists and art collectives with direct financial support amounting to INR 1.65 Crore. These efforts have touched the lives of over 25,000 artisans, reinforcing HMIF’s long-term commitment to preserving India’s artistic legacy for future generations. HMIF’s Art for hope Season 4 is empowering 50 talented artists across India with grants worth INR 60 Lakh.