New Delhi: In a powerful tribute to tribal wisdom and forest ecosystems, the “Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre” tribal art exhibition 2025 opens today at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The exhibition runs for four days, from October 9 to 12.
Former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will inaugurate this event. This event is organized by the Sankala Foundation, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
Tribal Art Exhibition 2025: Over 50 Tribal Artists, 17 States & 250 Works on Display
This year’s edition brings more than 50 tribal artists from 17 states—all regions that host tiger reserves—together under one roof.
Together, they present 250 paintings and crafts drawn from over 30 tiger reserves of India. Through art forms like Gond, Warli, Saura, and more, these works reflect an age-old dialogue between tribal communities, wildlife, and nature. One of the exhibition’s aims is to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for tribal and forest communities, reducing their dependence on forest extraction and strengthening the human-wildlife bond.
To ensure fairness and recognition, proceeds from artwork sales will be directly credited to individual artists’ bank accounts.
Tribal Art Exhibition 2025: Conservation, Cultural Dialogue & National Conference
On October 10, a National Conference titled “Tribal Arts and India’s Conservation Ethos: Living Wisdom” will be held.
It will be co-hosted by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (Bhopal) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), New Delhi. The conference will bring together policy makers, scholars, conservationists, community leaders, and artists to explore how tribal traditions and ecological wisdom can guide future conservation strategies.
Cultural evenings on October 9 and 10 will feature performances from tribal artists of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Evolving Legacy of “Silent Conversation”
Launched in 2023 to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, “Silent Conversation” has evolved into a flagship platform for art, conservation and tribal voices.
- The first edition (Nov 2023) was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.
- The second edition in October 2024 was inaugurated by the Union External Affairs Minister.
- The third edition was earlier held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum in December 2024 following an Artist-in-Residence programme.
Each successive edition has broadened its reach and deepened the synergy between art, tribal heritage, and conservation messaging.
Why This Matters: Art, Conservation & Tribal Wisdom
India’s forest dwellers and tribal communities are guardians of traditional ecological knowledge, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. They have long protected forests through customs and community rules.
This exhibition provides a rare urban platform for city audiences to witness how art and nature intersect. It also advances awareness of tiger conservation, habitat protection, and tribal-nature harmony. By centering tribal voices and linking them with national conservation efforts, “Silent Conversation” builds a bridge between margins and mainstream, helping us rethink how we protect nature while preserving cultural identity.
Tribal Art Exhibition 2025: What You Can Expect & Who Should Visit
Visitors: art lovers, conservationists, students, diplomats, nature enthusiasts, policy makers.
Highlights: 250 unique artworks, tribal performances, expert discussions
Objective: Raise awareness about tiger conservation, tribal livelihoods, and ecological harmony.
Don’t miss this rare confluence of art, culture and conservation in the heart of Delhi from October 9 to 12.
