About us

Inspiration of B-CAF

The untimely passing of Gurupday Chitrakar, a national award-winning artisan, due to COVID-19 and the dire financial circumstances he faced at the time of his death, has awakened our awareness of the urgency to establish sustainable community art practices. His tragic story underscores the pressing need to ensure that artists, like Gurupday, are provided with the means to thrive and sustain their livelihoods. We are committed to honouring his legacy by working towards creating a robust and supportive ecosystem for artists, where their talents are celebrated, and their well-being is safeguarded, even in times of crisis like the pandemic.

Our Mission

Our mission is to nurture artistic experimentation, preserve and restore art & cultural heritage, support traditional artists' livelihoods and cultivate audiences for arts.

Our Vision

Our vision is to transform Arts and Culture into dynamic catalysts for positive change.

Our Values

The Values of B-CAF are Honesty, Collaboration, Innovation, Inclusion and Stewardship. These values are the foundation of our organization and we strive to uphold them.

Who We Are

The Bridging Culture and Art Foundation(B-CAF) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing artistic expression, nurturing innovation and experimentation in arts and conducting preservation & restoration of art, historical and cultural heritage. We forge connections between artists, remote communities and the urban population with the goal to cultivate opportunities that create livelihood, revitalize and preserve art and culture.

What We Do

We work with folk and tribal art communities through capacity-building programs for generating sustainable livelihoods via traditional art practices. Our remarkable collection of Jadu Patua paintings, with captivating tribal narratives, graces museums and cultural institutions worldwide. We bridge societal divides, celebrating human diversity among artists by curating contemporary art exhibitions, fostering meaningful dialogues and hosting impactful seminars. Amid Kolkata's architectural wonders, we facilitate artists to collaborate to explore new artistic avenues. We lead meticulous projects dedicated to preserving, researching, documenting and archiving diverse art and heritage treasures. Our offerings include engaging Cultural Tours, Folk Art and Art Appreciation sessions to promote cultural heritage and increase arts awareness.

B-CAF Founder Director

REENA

Reena, a visionary leader in the arts, has achieved remarkable recognition and success in her journey from the corporate world to the vibrant realm of arts and culture. With accolades such as the Customer Delight Award at the Asia Pacific level and the Demand Generation Award at the Global level, her transition was driven by an unwavering passion for the arts.

As a Director and Curator, Reena boasts an impressive track record of overseeing two multi-disciplinary contemporary arts centers: the Kolkata Centre for Creativity and Arts Acre Foundation, before founding Bridging Culture and Arts Foundation (B-CAF). Her tenure in both her previous roles has been marked by a relentless commitment to capacity and skill-building initiatives across various artistic domains. These initiatives encompass a diverse array of courses, workshops, laboratories, fellowships, presentations, self-development programs, and seminars aimed at nurturing the talents of artists, performers, writers, and the general public.

Reena is a tireless advocate for inclusion, diversity, and accessibility within art spaces. She has spearheaded numerous projects that utilize the transformative power of art to promote the development of marginalized individuals and those with disabilities.

Her accomplishments extend beyond the artistic sphere, as evidenced by her receipt of the 'Aparajita' award for Woman Achiever by Sanmarg Newspaper. On the international stage, she has been honored with prestigious fellowships, including the Australia Council's International Leadership Program, Art Think South Asia, the International Society for Performing Arts, the Art For Good Fellowship by the Singapore International Foundation, and the American Association of Arts Curator Fellowship in New York, Kansas. Additionally, she received the 'Emerging Scholar' award from Ground Research Networks.

B-CAF Advisors

Ruby

Sanjit

Sachindra

B-CAF doers

AYANTIKA

ADITYA

ARCHEE

Become A Volunteer

Are you looking for a new way to give back to your community?! BCAF is always looking for volunteers to help us with our many programs and events. Whether you're an experienced fundraiser or just want to help out, we have a position that's perfect for you.