AWrt Festival Returns – An Inclusive Celebration of Art, Community, and Childhood

AWrt Festival is a community-based art festival curated within a basti, showcasing the artistic learning, skills, and aspirations developed by children from marginalised communities through sustained engagement with the arts.

This year’s edition is more inclusive, with participation from children not only from Burma Shell Basti but also from Balgram SOS Children’s Village and other marginalised communities, including children from orphanages and families of sex workers. By bringing these diverse childhood experiences onto a shared stage, the festival creates a collective and inclusive artistic space.

Among the festival’s highlights is its emcee, Saniya Shaikh, a nursing student from Burma Shell Basti, Pune, who is fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and English. Her presence reflects the festival’s emphasis on representation and community ownership.

The festival places a strong emphasis on depth and reflection. Alongside performances, children participate in sessions such as memory puppet-making and creative thinking workshops, allowing them to explore emotions, personal memories, and imagination through creative processes.

Adding to its cultural richness, AWrt Festival 2026 will feature performances by established artists and cultural organisations, including a sitar performance by Baithak Foundation and Bharat Natyam and Mohiniyattam performances by Rasathi School of Dance, alongside music, storytelling, rap, and band performances.

A two-day art exhibition will also showcase artworks created by children from marginalised communities, further highlighting their creative expression.

Designed to be participatory, the festival includes activities such as community singing and impromptu story acts, encouraging audiences, children, and artists to engage together.

“Art is a beautiful way of gently shaping how a child grows, dreams, and begins to imagine their future. Through sustained creative engagement, we work to build confidence and perception among children from marginalised communities, and the festival brings this journey into a shared celebration. Seeing artists, children, and the community come together around this experience has been deeply moving.” — Vaibhav Paliwal, Founder, Paalvia Foundation

Open to the public, AWrt Festival 2026 invites residents, artists, educators, and art enthusiasts from across Pune to experience how creativity can build connection, confidence, and community when nurtured over time—and to share in the joy and expression of children from marginalised communities.