February 2023                                                 WORKSHOP 2

In February 2023,  when we visited the community, we were embraced with loving arms, some even having traveled to Kamatipura to meet us, once they heard we are having a workshop. We also had an easy time to assemble participants as our previous participants were very eager to bring their friends along and canvass about how great out workshops are!

We explored Mumbai, what the place means to them. Using mixed media and reusable props, they showcased their Mumbai , and it was heartwarming to see very different versions of  Mumbai city, at once their home, as well as their place of business. We explored how the same objects can be seen in different ways, a prologue to "Ways of seeing", to prepare them for the Museum visit we had the next day.

The next day, we laid out the canvases from our first workshop, and asked them to really observe the colors, textures and emotions. It was a beautiful introduction to the later part of our day, when we traveled together in Mumbai Local, to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum. The Museum was gracious enough to give the sex workers free entry passes. Our team member Neethu conducted a heritage walk, explaining buildings of Mumbai on the way, and we had lunch at a hotel. For many sex workers, it was the first time they had ever been out of Kamatipura, in 30 years!

For the very first time, our participants realized their Mumbai is accessible, travelable, free and exciting to explore! In fact many realised and vocalised that it was their right to occupy public places!