Programs like Art and Collective for Digital Empowerment play a crucial role in enhancing the reach and impact of artists and their work through digital means. By providing artists such as Goutam Das Baul and Swapan Das Bairagya, renowned Baul artists from Bolpur, West Bengal, with digital tools and platforms, these programs help preserve and propagate traditional art forms to a broader audience. Digital enablement allows artists to showcase their performances online, engage with global audiences, and participate in virtual events, thus overcoming geographical limitations. Additionally, digital literacy training and access to e-commerce platforms empower artists to monetize their work more effectively, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Such initiatives not only foster cultural preservation but also drive rural entrepreneurship, creating a dynamic ecosystem where traditional art thrives alongside modern technology.
Programs like Art and Collective for Digital Empowerment significantly amplify the voices and impact of artists by leveraging digital technologies. For emerging talents like Madhura Ghane, known as Mahi G, whose debut track ‘Jungle Cha Raja’ marks the start of her journey to spread positive messages through music, and Rapboss Ajit Shelke, whose compositions highlight the struggles of farmers, digital enablement provides an essential platform. These programs equip artists with the skills and tools needed to navigate the digital landscape, allowing them to share their work on a global scale. By participating in initiatives such as ReDEF ‘24, artists can reach diverse audiences, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster social change through their art. Digital empowerment also facilitates easier access to online distribution channels and social media, enabling artists to build their brand, monetize their creations, and sustain their careers independently. Thus, these programs not only enhance cultural expression but also drive societal impact and economic opportunities for artists.
Programs like Art and Collective for Digital Empowerment play a pivotal role in enhancing the reach and influence of artists by utilizing digital technologies. When artists such as Riaz Ahmed, Arghadeep Barua, and Rupankar join forces to support initiatives like Studio Nilima, as they did at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest, the impact is profound. These programs provide artists with digital literacy, tools, and platforms to share their work beyond local boundaries, reaching global audiences. Digital enablement facilitates live streaming, online exhibitions, and virtual collaborations, thus amplifying their artistic voices and inspiring visions. Moreover, it helps artists monetize their craft through digital sales, crowdfunding, and virtual performances, creating sustainable livelihoods. By integrating traditional art with modern technology, these programs foster cultural preservation while driving social and economic empowerment, ensuring that the artists’ messages resonate widely and effectively.
On the 23rd of November, A-CODE organized the ‘Festive Meet of Art and Collective for Digital Empowerment’ to provide a space of art and culture to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and raise issues of human rights. The event gave all the A-CODE members a platform to talk about their work and how they are changing their respective societies. The day event was filled with activities to know each other well and find ways to collaborate in the future. Further, the way forward was discussed with the members to have better clarity in navigating A-CODE.
Digital Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with Barefoot College, organized trainings to introduce 52 participants on topics such as digital inclusion and data rights. The vast majority of participaints belong to the age group of 20 to 45 and are the community representatives of their blocks in Ajmer districts of Rajasthan. Before initiating the training, a baseline survey was conducted to know how much the participants knew about the topics. This was beneficial for both the students and the trainer, as it gave them a platform to interact with each other.
In the first episode of this season’s DEFDialogues in association with A-CODE we spoke with Ms. Chitranganie Mubarak, a digital society development expert from Sri Lanka who shed light on the massive economic crisis in her country and how people and civil society are protesting and fighting for change.
Rajiv Kumar congratulates the Digital Empowerment Foundation on completing 20 years and has a deep discussion about the future of digital in India.
In the third episode of the A-CODE DEFDialogue Anvita Abbi speaks about endangered languages in India and how they can be and are being documented.
Hear from Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Development Practitioner on “Subverting Gendered Education through STEM for Girls”.
The questions and formulations on data use, discourses and discussions on datafication in society, and the questions of data are currently limited to either security or privacy. The most unconnected people are facing several exclusions and data systems or AI/ML are increasing this. This research initiative is trying to look into data justice, talk about its intersections with social justice, and expand its concerns to the issues of the Global South. This series of conversations intent to have cross-cutting dialogues with people who make policies, developers who develop the systems, and the community impacted by the AI systems.
In a conversation with Mr. Vijay Mahajan about his book the “𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐬”.