Folk music has created a multitude of artful melodies for the communities that practice as well as enjoy art. Besides being their source of exploration into the spectrum of music, it has provided them with an income to rely upon for their daily needs.
Through Anahad’s exploration across various states of the country, it has been observed that most of the folk music performances are conducted in the live format and a lot of the times enjoyed by tourists and visitors, sometimes at cultural festivals that are celebrated traditionally within the states. Such social gatherings have the potential to come to a halt during the upheaval of a healthy ecosystem due to unforeseen predicaments such as the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Sensitive to such situations due to a lack of involvement in understanding the process of distribution of their art through digital mediums, the incomes of folk artist communities are jeopardized as they are resting mostly on earning wages per every performance.
Since most of the artists within the community lack ample financial stability or security pertaining to the absence of substantial savings, they are directly affected by such changes in the socio-economic environment in the society due to any crisis situation that may appear. The objective of Anahad Artist Relief Fund is to provide the artists with the required support in order for them to secure their financial stability.
Together, Louder, Stronger – is an online event for the performance industry workers and folk artists by Anahad Foundation, which is aimed at conserving India’s beautiful folk music heritage and its artists, produced by Believe Entertainment, world’s fastest-growing digital and live music company.
The current situation with Covid-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented lockdown and cancellation of all live shows. This crisis has put the industry workers- ranging from sound engineers to tentwaalas as well as the folk artists at great risk due to no events happening right now or for the foreseeable future. It has put over 10 million+ jobs in the Indian event industry at risk thereby placing 25,000 livelihoods at stake. The future of these artists and backstage workers, which relies completely on the on-ground shows and events, is at risk. These are unprecedented times and while mainstream artists are now going digital and have found alternatives, it is the freelancers and daily wagers of this industry along with the folk artists for whom the lockdown has had a devastating impact.
Up to 20+ mainstream and independent, highly talented musician and stars of India like Shaan, Mame Khan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, When Chai Met Toast, Bhuvan Bam, Nithyasree Mahadevan and others have come together to support these folk artists, workers and their families at this critical time through this initiative. Together, Louder, Stronger, the virtual event will be launched on Saturday, 26th September, live on Facebook and YouTube channels of Anahad Foundation and Believe Entertainment. Several celebrated artists will perform from their homes. There will be talks by reputed industry stalwarts, sharing their journey from their struggling days. Each artist will do a 5-7-minute-long web-episode and the entire event will be of 3-4 hours long. The event will bring to light the stories of actual industry workers, folk artists, showcasing the indispensable role of freelancers and encouraging fans to contribute towards the fund and support these folk artists and industry workers.