Future Rising Sparks New Dialogue in Goa’s Creative Community

Given the creative melting pot that Goa has historically been, it is only natural that the debut edition of the global arts initiative Future Rising was held there recently. Born out of a partnership between the music streaming platform Mixcloud and W Hotels Worldwide, Future Rising was built as a platform to indentify, cultivate and celebrate emerging artists and creative personalities.

The Asia Pacific debut was held at the W Goa earlier this month as a free-to-attend event for artists and thinkers to uncover the coastal state’s influence in culture and music, both locally and globally. It was an initiative that was a long time coming, no doubt. “It is our responsibility to highlight the rich culture and talent that the state has to offer,” says T.J. Joulak, General Manager, W Goa.

The sundowner event kicked off with an insightful panel discussion titled Suite Session at the W Goa’s Woobar, moderated by FC Goa President, Akshay Tandon. The panelists, Goan historian and artist Subodh Kerkar, photojournalist Prashant Panjiar, Panjim restaurateur Prahlad Sukthtankar, who runs The Black Sheep Bistro and Magnetic Fields co-founder Smita Singh discussed the condition of the creative community in Goa and how artists, musicians and imaginative personalities have the ability to make the state their own artistic paradise.

Panelists (L-R) Prashant Panjiar, Smita Singh, Prahlad Sukthtankar, Subodh Kerkar and moderator Akshay Tandon discussed the condition of the creative community in Goa

Panjiar stressed the need to revive Goa’s once-thriving jazz scene. He says, “Its ironical in the early history of jazz in India, Goan musicians were very important–they dominated the scene. The problem [arises today] because the crowd that frequents bars and restaurants wants a certain kind of music, which is popular.” Panjiar adds, “Now there are a lot of fantastic musicians [in Goa] from all around the world who are experimenting with their styles of music and jazz. Hopefully it will grow, but for that to happen I think you have to have spaces to perform. Even if it is 20 people and then it will grow.”

W Goa’s Rockpool hosted all the performances that took place at Future Rising. Photo: Courtesy of Future Rising

Attendees at Future Rising also got to view Kerkar’s splendid art installations that were spread across the hotel property. The evening didn’t end there however; W Goa’s Music Director Abhishek Boylla and Mixcloud’s team of music experts curated a tasty lineup of artists for a unique sonic experience.

For electronic music fans, the event showcased interesting sets by some of the country’s most exciting DJs and producers. Up first was Bengaluru’s Rahul Giri aka _RHL who brought his down tempo and ambient sounds to the table.  Next, Goa’s DJ Agent and producer Luna Toke, known as the Tsunami Soup Collective showcased their diverse brand of electronic music that included strong rhythm sections. The night closed with an immersive performance from Boxout Soundsystem which had the attendees grooving to their high energy set.

If Future Rising set out to bring together Goa’s wide-ranging creative community under one roof to discuss ways to better its artistic sphere, it certainly accomplished that in the most inspiring way.