Delve into the vibrant world of Midnapur Patachitra art and folk dance from West Bengal with Watertown resident Swati Biswas. Originating from the rural heartlands of Bengal, these art forms are not only visually captivating but also deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region.

Like in any ancient culture, dance has been important in fostering community cohesion and preserving cultural identity in rural Bengal.

Swati will share some unique aspects of Midnapur patachitra that she has learned by directly interacting with the community. She will also show a folk dance based on a beautiful banter between a housewife and her brother-in-law. This song beautifully captures how important our relationships are.

About Swati Biswas:

Swati Biswas is an accomplished Indian classical dancer and passionate advocate for the promotion of folk arts from across India. Combining her expertise in dance with a deep appreciation for the visual arts, she has forged connections with painters and weavers to create costumes and sets for her performances.

Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, she focused towards advocating for the talents of folk artists by organizing virtual workshops that provide insight into their techniques and storytelling traditions. Over the past few years, she has curated workshops spanning ten different art forms, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of India. By facilitating direct interactions between artists and participants, these workshops offer an authentic glimpse into the artists' creative environments, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Her commitment to fostering cultural exchange has garnered support from esteemed institutions such as the Natick Center Cultural District, Watertown Free Public Library, and Belmont Public Library, enabling me to extend the reach of these workshops to the Boston community.

As a dancer, she has graced stages at diverse venues, captivating audiences with her performances. She was one of the recipients of Mass Cultural Grant and organized and directed a program in which 35 artists including herself performed. She is also serving as an artist-in-residence for the Mount Auburn Cemetery's 2023-2024 cohort and continues to explore innovative ways to intertwine art with community engagement.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, she holds a PhD in Biology and has dedicated over 15 years to academic research. She is currently working as a medical writer, supporting clinical trials in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Driven by a steadfast passion for connecting people through art, exchanging ideas, and building meaningful relationships, she remains committed to fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the beauty of diversity through my multifaceted pursuits.