While much of the world remains entangled in political divides and geographic boundaries, Kashmir recently offered a surprising setting for unity through creativity. The second edition of the International Online Art Competition, brought together by Callisto Art & Culture along with the Ehsaas Foundation, gathered more than a hundred participants representing nine countries. What emerged was not just a contest but a seamless, virtual gallery where imagination crossed every border.
The driving force behind the initiative, visual artist Zahoor Kashmiri, has long sought to build pathways for artistic dialogue across cultures. He described the event as a rare opportunity for Kashmiri artists to display their craft alongside international peers, adding that persistence and hope remain the surest companions on the road to success.
Ehsaas Foundation’s role gave the competition a distinctive character: their grounding in Sufi values, cultural growth, and community service added depth beyond art itself. Vice Chairman Burhan Nazir acknowledged the jurors and participants, observing that the gathering reflected Kashmir’s determination to shape itself into a centre where cultural diplomacy and creativity walk hand in hand.
“This competition is a 2nd of its kind. Being on an online platform, this competition has opened itself to many participants across the global. I am sure that a lot of budding Kashmiri artists would use this opportunity to showcase their artistic brilliance at the highest level. In terms of style, genre & material, this competition has ensured that the creativity of participants is foremost and that true artistic finesse would be given an enough visibility at an international level. I would like to thank the organisers for taking this initiative & ensuring enough participation. I would also like to congratulate and have aced the competition.” Said Jury member Prof. Zargar Zahoor Former Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi, in his message.
In his message jury member from Turkey Dr. Ceyhun Konak (Associate Professor and International Artist) said, “I think that this competition, which includes the examples of the work produced by many artists from around the world, has a very rich content in terms of style, genre, and material. I think that the works of artists working in different disciplines will be exhibited side by side, forming a conceptual framework for the exhibition. I was also happy to be a part of this competition, which was organized to support the art work and free creativity of the participants and to give them artistic visibility. I congratulate all the winners and thank the organizers for their contribution to the arts.”
It’s pertinent to mention that this second edition of the event, organized by Callisto Art & Culture in collaboration with the Ehsaas Foundation, carries special significance for Kashmir, where limited opportunities and the absence of dedicated art galleries or museums leave artists with few platforms to thrive. In such circumstances, initiatives like this serve as a vital lifeline—keeping creativity alive, connecting artists to a wider audience, and ensuring that art in the Valley continues to endure rather than fade away.
