Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 29: The Tibetan exile community came together on Friday morning to celebrate the inaugural Tibetan Artists Festival, a vibrant showcase of its rich artistic heritage by bringing together 30 exiled artists from around the globe that included writers, musicians, intellectuals and painters among others. The three-day festival organised by TibetWrites, a Tibetan-run publishing outfit, is the brainchild of Tibetan writer and poet Bhuchung D.Sonam.
The opening ceremony captivated the audience with soul-stirring performances by the Grammy-nominated artist Tenzin Choegyal and singer Sonam Dolma. Bhuchung D. Sonam, festival director and co-founder of TibetWrites, dedicated the festival to Tibetans living under Chinese colonial rule, particularly the artists, writers, poets, and filmmakers who continue to express their truths despite facing harassment, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
“For them, we want to dedicate this festival,” Bhuchung said, emphasising the resilience and courage of those who create art under oppressive conditions to voice the struggles and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Tsering Yangzom Lama, the acclaimed author of We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies, delivered a keynote address on ‘Why Writing Matters’ where she emphasised that, for her, art is an act of love and a testament to the beauty of Tibetan existence despite the pain of displacement and oppression. Lama recounted her experience at a Tibetan Writers’ Retreat, where participants explored what it means to be Tibetan and also discussed solidarity with other marginalised communities, including African Americans, Palestinians, and Indigenous peoples, drawing parallels between their struggles and those of Tibetans.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Canada, Tsering critiqued the lack of education about Indigenous peoples and the prevalent stereotypes that frame them as relics of the past. She observed how, despite these challenges, Indigenous art is often aesthetically appreciated while the lives and histories behind the work are overlooked. However, years later Tsering noted significant shifts: protests for indigenous women’s rights, renamed streets honouring indigenous heritage, and bookstores prominently featuring Indigenous literature. “There is a growing consciousness in Canada, America, Australia, and parts of Europe—a shift happening because of the labour of indigenous people but also the other communities who have been marginalised,” she said.
Tsering highlighted how these movements benefit all communities by encouraging conversations about colonisation by amplifying silenced voices. She acknowledged the victories of marginalised groups and expressed hope for a similar awakening within Chinese society, even if it may take decades. “What I do know,” she said, “is that literature and art have reached parts of the world we never imagined before. This is due to the hard work of Indigenous writers, Black writers, LGBTQ writers, and others who persevered when no one was paying attention, ready for the moment the world finally listened.”
Reflecting on her interactions with readers worldwide, Tsering shared her surprise at how many people remain unaware of Tibetan stories. “As Tibetans, we often feel like we are shouting to the world, but many still don’t know our story,” she said. She underscored the power of art, not as a tool of persuasion but as a spiritual expression that speaks to the shared humanity of Tibetan people. “If art does what it does well, it will reach people, and the answer will be self-evident—that Tibetan people deserve the same rights as everyone else.”
Speaking to Phayul, Bhuchung D. Sonam, the festival’s director, shared that the idea for the Tibetan Artists Festival had been on his mind for six years. “We are a scattered community, spread across more than 30 countries, and so are our artists. We need to come together to understand what art is, its impact on society and politics, and how artists can contribute to the Tibetan freedom struggle. This gathering is a space to think collectively and help people realize the power of art,” he said, explaining the inspiration behind organising the festival.
The festival is supported by Tibet Fund, whose Regional Director, Sherab Woeser, told Phayul, “The Tibet Fund supports the Tibetan Artists Festival as it aligns with its mission to preserve and promote Tibetan culture. This festival provides a platform for traditional and contemporary Tibetan artists to showcase their work, ensuring Tibetan art thrives in exile. It encourages self-expression, innovation, and collaboration, helping artists reach wider audiences while maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity.”
The Tibetan Artists Festival runs until December 1 over the weekend, offering a dynamic mix of music, storytelling, and poetry, alongside engaging panel discussions, music concerts, and live art performances, highlighting the richness of Tibetan creativity and heritage. Notable participants include seasoned and emerging musicians, writers, and visual artists whose works reflect the nuanced experiences of Tibetan diaspora life.
