How the Art be a Part x UNICEF India Partnership Sparked Change – artbeapart.

How the Art be a Part x UNICEF India Partnership Sparked Change

When Art be a Part (ABaP) first dreamed of collaborating with UNICEF India, the vision was simple yet powerful: to bring creativity into the lives of children who often had no access to it. But what began as an idea to spend a day painting in villages with children soon evolved into something much larger—a systemic shift in how creativity and inclusion are woven into education. This shift gave birth to SpArK (Special Art for Kids), a pioneering initiative that uses art not just as a form of expression, but as a universal language of inclusion.

The Genesis of the Partnership

“When I first approached UNICEF, my idea was to go to villages and schools to paint with kids and give them a day full of creativity,” recalls one of the founders of ABaP. “But UNICEF said it wasn’t fair to give them a taste of something and not be able to do it continuously. Instead of a one-day event, it’s better to embed creativity into their system. That’s how we began aiming for systemic change.”

This insight became the foundation of SpArK. Rather than fleeting experiences, the partnership focuses on sustainable programs that integrate creativity and expression into the very fabric of children’s education—particularly those with disabilities.

Why Disability Inclusion?

Disability inclusion was not an afterthought; it was at the heart of SpArK from the very beginning. In many rural communities across India, children with disabilities are often hidden away, misunderstood, or deprived of opportunities. “In villages, many parents didn’t even know what disability was,” the founders explain. “Without awareness, they couldn’t look after or help their children. Some were even locked away. With UNICEF’s support, we are educating communities and parents to understand that these children can live as normal a life as possible. And because art has no language barriers, it is the best way to communicate.”

Overcoming Challenges

Launching SpArK was not without hurdles. Each state in India has unique needs, requiring tailored programs. The lack of awareness about disabilities posed a significant barrier. Finding volunteers and training teachers—already overburdened—was another challenge. Perhaps the biggest obstacle was securing government approval to integrate SpArK into education systems. Here, UNICEF’s expertise and close collaboration with state governments proved invaluable.

“UNICEF is amazing at what they do,” the founders note. “They know how to work with governments to make systemic change possible.”

Keeping Art at the Heart At every stage, art has remained the centerpiece of SpArK. From drawing to music, children are encouraged to express themselves in ways that transcend language. “Every one of us has an artist inside,” the founders emphasize. “For a child, it is often easier to communicate feelings through drawing or music than through words.”

A Moment of Realization

For ABaP, the turning point came with the first school visit where SpArK was being implemented. “The day I visited, I knew we were doing something right. It not only motivated us but made us more driven to expand the initiative.”

Impact of the Gala

The annual ABaP Gala plays a vital role in fueling this change. Funds raised directly support SpArK, enabling training programs, community awareness campaigns, and the integration of art into classrooms. With UNICEF’s reach and ABaP’s creative vision, the initiative is spreading across states, transforming lives one community at a time.

As UNICEF notes, “Every child deserves a chance to learn, to express, and to belong. SpArK ensures that children with disabilities are no longer left behind.”

From a simple idea of painting with children to a nationwide movement for inclusion, the ABaP x UNICEF India partnership proves that art is far more than expression—it is empowerment.