Filling the Gaps – Exploring the Scope of Arts-Based Education in Jodhpur

Abstract

This thesis reports findings of an action-research project exploring the scope of arts-based education to fill the gap of local knowledge in schools of Jodhpur, India. The research focuses on two pilot projects executed in the old city with traditional performing arts of Kathputli and Kaavad. It is inspired by the collaborative, dynamic, sensory and affective nature of traditional art practices. The pilot projects also investigate the creation, performance and circulation of the two traditional arts, creating interventions to move past conventions. As a result, the project offers new opportunities and platforms of performance to families of traditional artists with the aim to create a new audience-base in the students.