Give with an open' heart!

After open mic nights in people’s living rooms, the latest in thing within the city are charity pop ups. For the ones not familiar with the term, these are all about showcasing and promoting local talent, with the motive to uphold a cause. Known as The Open House, they allow city-based people to indulge in music, comedy and art, to find entertainment while benefitting the underprivileged too.

“Having been from the creative field myself, I have a firsthand experience of the challenges one has to face. Hence the initiative to just pave the way a little for local talent,” shares Tanmayi Reddy, who is one of the main organisers of the initiative. “One of the biggest issues with artists and performers is definitely networking and networking with the right people. Our main aim is to provide these artists a space and exposure to elements that can be used by them for professional purposes in the future,” adds the city-based fashion designer who has always been passionate about arts and causes.

Started by Tanmayi and her friend Roshini Kumar, their sartorial venture was a “for artistes, by artistes” initiative. “Giving artistes the scope for a dialogue between them and the audience is what makes these pop-ups so much more intimate,” believes Roshini who is also a full time photographer when not creating platforms for local artistes. “It means a lot when the base for an interaction is created and the audience is actually interested in knowing about the efforts and inspirations behind an artist’s work – about what they do and how they do,” she adds.

The concept is simple. Held on a designated Saturday, artistes from both Bengaluru and around the country perform their art. It could be music, painting, illustrations, designs and even food stalls and entrepreneurial pep talks. From comedy to craftsmanship and workshops – they collect revenues that are used exclusively to contribute to a chosen charity for every session. “Our artistes are kind enough to also contribute generously from the profit they make at the event,” shares Yamini Gowda, one of the organisers. “This time we are working with the Solidarity Foundation who provide support to sex workers and sexual minorities. They work closely with the LGBTQ community and offer grants to sexual minorities, enabling them to have a better lifestyle.”