Celebrating Biodiversity, Empowering Communities and Preserving Art Forms
Similipal is widely recognised for its expansive forest landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and its rich biodiversity, including the presence of the rare melanistic tiger. The region is also home to indigenous communities whose way of life remains closely intertwined with the surrounding forests and hills, reflecting a harmonious coexistence with nature. This distinctive ecological and cultural setting provides a compelling platform to facilitate meaningful engagement with local communities, with a focus on biodiversity conservation, ecological awareness, and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems.
Social Arts and Social Context – Together for Similipal
Santhal walls to modern decor, art travels outward
The Similipal Initiative is a unique project that combines art and conservation to promote biodiversity awareness in Similipal. It works with local communities and artists to preserve cultural heritage while supporting environmental sustainability.
The Similipal Initiative helps local communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through art in Odisha. It provides training, promotes traditional art forms, and connects artisans with wider audiences. This not only supports economic development but also preserves cultural heritage while contributing to biodiversity conservation in Similipal.
Artists can join the Similipal art residency by applying through the official channels of the Similipal Initiative. Selection is based on artistic practice, interest in conservation, and willingness to collaborate with local communities. The residency provides a unique opportunity to engage with nature and culture while contributing to meaningful projects.
Project Lighthouse is a programme that promotes indigenous scripts and cultural identity through art. It involves painting homes and community spaces with traditional scripts, raising awareness and preserving linguistic heritage. The project combines art, education, and community participation to create lasting cultural impact.
The Similipal art camp included a variety of activities such as artists residency sessions, tiger painting workshops, student art workshops in Similipal National Park, and community engagement programmes. These activities were designed to combine creativity with environmental awareness and cultural exchange.
The camp raised awareness by using art as a medium to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation in Similipal. Through paintings, workshops, and collaborative projects, participants highlighted key environmental issues and engaged local communities in conservation efforts.
10th March 2026 
