Tibetan Artists Festival debuts in Dharamshala, showcasing stories of freedom and resilience

Nov 30, 2024

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), November 30 (ANI): Dharamshala, a serene hill town in North India, became the epicenter of Tibetan art and activism as the first-ever Tibetan Artists Festival commenced on Friday. The three-day festival features over 30 Tibetan artists, musicians, and writers from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and India. The event serves as a platform for Tibetan artists to share stories of their freedom struggle and counter Chinese propaganda through their creative expressions. Bhuchung D Sonam, the festival’s organizer and a writer, emphasized the importance of storytelling. Speaking to ANI, he said, “Telling stories is crucial for Tibetans. We have many real experiences to share, contrasting with Chinese propaganda, which is heavily funded. For us, art is a means to amplify our voices and make our experiences heard. Artists are uniquely equipped to do this, and this festival aims to explore how art can be an effective medium for sharing our stories.” Tenzin Choegyal, a Tibetan musician based in Australia, expressed his emotions through songs during the festival. Known for his Grammy-nominated album Songs from The Bardo, Choegyal reflected on the significance of returning to Dharamshala, where his musical journey began. “This place feels like home to me. The festival is not only for Tibetans but is inclusive, bringing together people from different backgrounds to exchange ideas and grow as better human beings,” he said. The Tibetan Artists Festival celebrates art as a medium of resistance, identity, and community building, while honoring the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in Tibet.