Guwahati: The North East Zone Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Lalit Kala Akademi under the Ministry of Culture and with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, organised a special Painting Campaign in Assam from May 20 to 24 as part of the 4th India–Africa Forum Summit 2026. The initiative brought together artists from nearly 40 African nations under the theme “India through the Lens of Africa.” Guwahati was selected as a major venue for the Northeast region, with NEZCC serving as the nodal agency.
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Renowned artists including Ashley Munsamy, Amel Benmohamed, Salaheddine Bouanani and Wanja Githua participated in painting and cultural activities across Assam. A major highlight of the programme was a painting campaign at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary on May 21. The delegates explored the sanctuary through a jeep safari, witnessing Assam’s rich biodiversity, including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and wild buffaloes. Following the safari, artists created live outdoor paintings at Maibong Resort inspired by Assam’s natural beauty and wildlife.
The activities were coordinated by artist Kukima Kakati and liaison officer Deepak Kumar. An interaction session involving media personnel, forest officials and wildlife workers also focused on conservation awareness and the role of art in environmental protection. The delegation later visited Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and the Shilpgram complex, where the artists explored Assam’s cultural traditions and heritage. Officials of NEZCC and Kalakshetra felicitated the delegates during a certificate distribution ceremony. Organisers said the programme successfully strengthened artistic collaboration and cultural ties between India and African nations through creative exchange and heritage exploration.
