| 2024

Local '24 was inaugurated at Lalit Kala Akademi on June 14th with a lamp-lighting ceremony, joined by families and differently-abled individuals from Cheshire Homes, Chennai. To ensure inclusivity, private tours were organized for hearing and visually impaired students from the St. Louis Institute for the Deaf and Blind, making the event accessible to all. Over 400 people from across the disability spectrum ranging from individuals with visual and hearing impairments to those with autism, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and learning disabilities, attended the exhibition.

Specialized tours were tailored to their needs, promoting design as a career opportunity for people with disabilities, including those who are autistic, wheelchair users, or have speech and hearing impairments. This experience was designed to inspire participants toward financial independence through creative careers. It also encouraged Maisha Studio students to be more thoughtful and empathetic, deepening their understanding of how their work could positively impact and enrich the lives of individuals within the disability spectrum.