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Beyond the Silent Gallery: Cultivating Sustainable Discourse Via Youth-Led 'Ecologies of Practice'

Dr. Shashi Priya Upadhayay

Assistant professor

School of fine arts

AAFT University, Math, Chhattisgarh492001

shashi.priya@aaft.edu.in

Abstract

This study investigates the systemic marginalization termed 'curatorial segregation' of child-created art within major cultural institutions, using the Kochi-Muziris Biennale's Art By Children (ABC) initiative as a primary case. It argues that relegating youth-driven artistic expressions on sustainability to peripheral 'silent galleries' constitutes an epistemic injustice, silencing vital perspectives crucial for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper analyzes the pedagogical framework of ABC lead Blaise Joseph, conceptualized as an 'ecology of practice,' which fosters non-hierarchical, material-led, and community-embedded creation. Through a qualitative, multi-modal methodology, the research contrasts this transformative philosophy against the Biennale's persistent exhibitionary barriers. Findings demonstrate that child-led art generates significant discourse on SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper concludes by proposing a framework for epistemic equity, advocating for curatorial models that transition from tokenistic inclusion to genuine co-authorship, thereby transforming cultural institutions into resonant spaces for intergenerational sustainability dialogue.

Keywords: Child-led art, Curatorial segregation, Sustainable Development Goals, Epistemic injustice, Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Ecology of practice, Participatory curation, Intergenerational discourse