Gender Bender, launched in 2015, is a multiarts festival that celebrates questions and fresh perspectives on gender in order to generate positive change and increase empathy in society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each year, the festival invites applications from artists and individuals worldwide for the creation of works that play with innovative ideas around issues of gender, cutting across dance, theatre, performance art and more. An independent panel subsequently shortlists projects and award a trigger grant. Most of these works have gone on to have a vibrant post-festival life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A number of prominent activists, filmmakers and writers have been part of the festival over the years including, Aarthi Parthasarathy, Gautam Bhan, Kalki Subramaniam, Nadika Nadja, Nisha Susan, Paromita Vohra, Saba Dewan, Urvashi Butalia and Vijeta Kumar. The festival was staged online in 2020 and 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the last nine years Gender Bender has evolved into an arts festival that makes space for all things gender by curating and programming everything from stand-up comedy, dance, music and literature to panel discussions and technology as part of the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ninth edition of Gender Bender will take place in December 2023 with a programme comprising music, dance, theatre, film, podcasts, art works and installations to pop-up library, Karaoke bar, photo booth, talks, discussions and workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gender Bender 2023 Grantees whose work will be showcased at the festival on 9th and 10th December are: Inner Rhymes, Bengaluru; The Pomelo, Darjeeling; Mohd Intiyaz, New Delhi; Shonottra Kumar, Mumbai; Soumya Mishra, Bhubaneswar; Rajiv Bera, Goa; Shradha Raj, Bengaluru; Akramul Hijra, Dhaka; Santoshpur Anuchintan, Kolkata; Mavelinadu Collective, Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n