Silk River

Silk River

As part of a year-long programme marking the 70th anniversary of Indian independence and the cultural relationship with the UK, Kinetika created Silk River, an ambitious project which explored the unique relationship between London and Kolkata through artistic exchange between communities along the Thames Estuary and India’s Hooghly River.

Ali Pretty, Kinetika’s Artistic Director, collaborated with associate artistic directors Ruchira Das (Think Arts, India) and Korak Ghosh as well as an international team of artists, writers and photographers to capture and interpret the experience of journeying along these two mighty rivers.

 

Working in 20 locations from Murshidabad to Batanagar (Hooghly) and Kew Gardens to Southend (Thames) we gathered, shared and retold stories of these riparian communities through 20 hand-painted Murshidabad silk scrolls

 

Silk River culminated in two performative walks –

Along the Thames between 15th – 24th September and

along the Hooghly between December 6th – 16th, 2017.

 

Silk River was part of Totally Thames that ran from 1-30 September, 2017

Silk River involves organisations in UK and West Bengal who work in heritage, culture, craft, tourism and education. We are delighted that this exciting project is part of the UK India Year of Culture, which seeks to showcase innovative and creative work from both countries, building deeper connections between communities.

Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director British Council East and Northeast India

 


Silk River Interactive Scrolls

Explore Silk River through the art, images and
reflections of the people that made it possible.


Silk River Souvenir Programme

View the Silk River souvenir programme HERE


 

News

July 20, 2017 / Silk River

Indian Walk Program Unveiled!

A unique journey down the river Hooghly from Murshidabad to Kolkata. Join a group of contemporary artists, historians, writers and musicians from UK and India for the Silk River India Walk, where you will engage with the local artisans and community members along the way, participate in curated events comprising of talks, workshops and film screenings, share practice, create an artistic response, either individually or collectively.
Read More
July 14, 2017 / Silk River

Film Screening Kolkata 20 July 4.45pm IST

We are delighted to invite you to watch a film screening and panel discussion on the Silk River project, which explores artistic exchange between communities along the Thames and Hooghly.
Read More
July 7, 2017 / Silk River

UK Walk Programme Open for Bookings

All routes are confirmed and bookings are now live for the UK Silk River walks!
Read More
June 30, 2017 / Silk River

The painting is complete for UK Scrolls!

Huge thanks to all participants, artists and group leaders! The painting of the UK silk scrolls is now complete!
Read More
June 30, 2017 / News Coverage, Silk River

Silk River Press

We are delighted that we appeared in Dartford Living in an article about the local groups from that area taking part in Silk River.
Read More

Social Media


 


 

Key Dates

UK

April & May: Design workshops

June 5th – 18th: Textile residency in Kinetika studios

September 15th – 24th: Thames Walks

15th Oct – Diwali, Trafalgar Square
22-27th Oct Kew Exhibition
16th Nov – Exhibition, workshop & reprise performance of  Tower Hamlets walk ‘from Street to Stage’

India

January 7th – 21st: Textile residency in Murshidabad

January 28th & 29th: Murshidabad Heritage Festival, presentation of scrolls

December 6th -16th: Indian Walks

 

19-31st Dec: Exhibition of scrolls at Victoria Memorial Hall