Instituting Space: In Conversation with Suresh Jayaram from 1Shanthiroad

1Shanthiroad located in Bengaluru describes itself as a ‘home for the arts’ and has become a central node in India's network of art spaces. Founded in 2002 by curator, educator and writer, Suresh Jayaram, 1Shanthiroad recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary, having undergone diverse modes of operation and as a vibrant residency space for young Indian and international artists in the last two decades. The space has also hosted thousands of exhibitions, community meetings, screenings and events.

In the first ASAP Cast episode of 2023, Anisha Baid speaks with Suresh Jayaram about the journey of this hybrid, informal art space through the rapidly changing art economy. Discussing successes as well as failures of the independent model, support structures for organisations and young artists, as well as strategies for creating a consistently open and engaged artists’ community, this episode celebrates twenty years of 1Shanthiroad. 

To learn more about building independent institutions and artist support centres, tune in to Ketaki Varma’s ASAP Cast episode with Vivan Sundaram on establishing the Kasauli Art Centre and the Sher-Gil Sundaram Arts Foundation.  

All images courtesy of the artists unless stated otherwise.