ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
A duet in which each voice stays audible.
In Indian music a jugalbandi is a dialogue between two performers, each with a distinct voice. We build institutions around that idea.
JB-010 · TWO PERFORMERS IN DIALOGUE
IN SHORT
Why does Jugalbandi Foundation exist?
Cultural intent is abundant but the capacity to turn it into finished work is scarce. Missions have budgets without Indian partners, artisans have mastery without a route out, and funders need projects that are ready. The Foundation holds the whole chain — originate, convene, fund, clear, deliver, remember.
VISION · MISSION · PURPOSE
What we are here to do.
VISION
A world in which cultural difference is a source of shared creativity, belonging and opportunity.
MISSION
To connect India and the world through reciprocal arts, crafts and heritage collaborations that let people create, participate, learn and sustain living traditions together.
PURPOSE
To widen access to cultural life, support the people who carry and renew it, and keep the knowledge for public and educational use.
THE FOUR PILLARS
Every project serves at least two.
| Pillar | What it means | Our test |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | Introduce people and institutions whose work could benefit from meeting | Relevance |
| Create | Co-authored work through residencies, labs, commissions and co-productions | Cultural value |
| Exchange | Take the work into public life — festivals, missions, touring, open access | Reciprocity |
| Remember | Document, research, evaluate and archive with communities and scholars | Responsibility |
WHERE WE STAND
Between neutral cultural diplomacy and grassroots making.
- Diplomatic bodies rarely reach a village workshop; grassroots NGOs rarely reach an Ambassador’s residence.
- We stand in both rooms, and bring the work all the way to a finished premiere.
- Every Jugalbandi project has an institutional partner, a grassroots practitioner and a finished work at the end.
National institutes
Fund their own country’s artists
Grant-makers
Fund; do not convene or produce
Agencies
Deliver; no grant standing
Jugalbandi Foundation
Originates, convenes, funds, delivers, remembers
TEN NON-NEGOTIABLES
What we will not trade, whatever the deal.
01Distinct voices stay distinct
02Artists and artisans are paid, credited and named
03No pay-to-rank, ever
04No borrowed authority
05Culture above politics
06Consent before circulation
07Disclosed relationships
08Programmes are proposed until funded
09Safeguarding first
10Leave places better
Meet the people behind the Foundation.
Two founders, an independent board and four circles of advisers, patrons, fellows and ambassadors.
JB-011 · A DUET IN WHICH EACH VOICE STAYS AUDIBLE — WIDE ESTABLISHING VIEW
JB-012 · A DUET IN WHICH EACH VOICE STAYS AUDIBLE — HANDS AND DETAIL
JB-013 · A DUET IN WHICH EACH VOICE STAYS AUDIBLE — PEOPLE IN CONVERSATION