Change in Society by Art: Madras School of Social Work’s Students Use Art to Address Social Issues

Artists on Campus Initiative: Merging Art with Social Responsibility

Art has the endless potential to touch the lives of thousands of people by raising awareness, cultivating empathy and driving meaningful social change. Considering  the “Art for a Good Cause” the Madras School of Social work students have initiated "Artist on Campus," a program that combines activism and creativity to turn students' artistic talents into effective tools for social change. These young art magicians are not only making art with colorful murals, moving portraits and proactive installations but also crafting sparking discussions and encouraging actions on some of the most important social issues in the society. The Madras School of Social Work corridor is replete with artists for the audition of the drama Pinvaasal (The Backdoor). Students are overjoyed with the ideas of responsibility towards society through art by joining Artists on Campus. All the earnings from the event will also be donated  to support the education of young girls from underprivileged background through the non- profit Inner Wheel Club of Chennai Symphony.

Sadhvee S, a BSc Psychology second year student feels fortunate as she got selected for the part of script writer for Pinvaasal, she will witness the efforts of numerous artists contributing towards the people who need assurance and security. She is inspired to provide the same security to someone in need. The opportunity that the artists of Chennai established for themselves is to be able to do what they love, which is to promote artists while giving back to society. The art here is for a cause and it will surely make an impact for social change. The team of Artists on Campus believes that art can change the world, it is organized in partnership with NSS department of MSSW.

Megamithra S director of the Pinvaasal play said that The Backdoor is one of the plays which is presented at all art events. This play focuses on the difficulties faced by artists in the mainstream industry while writing in a very caustic and humorous manner. She considers it fortunate that her college places a strong emphasis on volunteer work, as it allows her to assist women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds with their education. Megamithra states “On this particular day, we were obtaining money as a group for the nonprofit organization, U&I Trust, where poor children receive English language instruction.” 

Sabhareesh VL is a vocalist and carnatic percussionist who is presently studying his post-graduation in MSSW. He is amidst the flurry of students getting ready for his Artist on Campus performance. Being an introvert student he has music as a friend and gave his first musical performance when he was 24 years old. He got a lot of appreciation from the audience and that was the day he started his musical journey. One of the biggest women's voluntary organizations in the world, International Inner Wheel has 5,000 clubs and over a million members across more than 100 countries. It is also represented in the UN as one of the biggest NGOs in the world led by women.Members of Inner Wheel work on human development programs that include helping women, senior persons, youth, and children. 

The Inner Wheel group of Chennai Symphony is an 11-year-old group with 42 members. It undertakes numerous initiatives and activities annually to assist the underprivileged, such as teaching young girls, empowerment of women, transgender people, and girls. In addition, it supports animal welfare, the environment, old age homes, orphanages, and more, according to Sheetal Satish, president of IWC Chennai Symphony. Sheetal Satish admires the young  people who are taking the responsibility for improving society in their own unique way and encouraging other children to share these ideas. "Any form of art is a way of expression," asserts Sheetal. Likewise, the care and attention to any issue or requirement, any assistance, whether in the form of funds, time, or effort, is a sign of concern. Helping individuals in need through artistic expression and a website like artist.chennai would be a wonderful initiative.

Editor’s Note:

Art is a way to express the thoughts flourishing in the mind, it has the power to raise awareness among others as well as make needful changes in society. In its beauty and creativity, art unites us, reminding us of our shared humanity and the potential to create a better world together. Artists on Campus is not only an exhibition to visit but also a movement that embodies the transformative power of art and the unwavering commitment of the next generation to make a difference. It gives voice to the voiceless and shines a light on injustices, fostering a deeper understanding and compassion among people. Skoobuzz appreciates the Artists on campus initiative which proves that when creativity meets compassion, the possibilities for impact are limitless.