In a remarkable display of international collaboration, Sing for Hope recently completed a transformative educational initiative at Shanti Bhavan School in Bengaluru, India. In May and June 2024, this initiative brought together a diverse team of teaching artists to engage 120 students in a powerful combination of arts education and cultural exchange.
Sing for Hope’s mission to create a more equitable world through the arts found a harmonious partner in Shanti Bhavan, founded in 1997 by Dr. Abraham George. Dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, Shanti Bhavan provides under-resourced children (primarily from the Dalit caste, previously referred to as “untouchable”) with a holistic, fully funded education from age 4 through college. The school’s solar-powered campus and farm-to-table lifestyle emphasize environmental stewardship and zero-waste principles.
The Sing for Hope team, led by Sharyn Pirtle, Director of Education, brought a variety of artistic disciplines to Shanti Bhavan. Pirtle, along with Bridget Hogan, SFH Youth Chorus Conductor, and Sing for Hope’s international team of teaching artists, including David Fernandez (dance, videography), Peter Herr (art, muralist, prop design), Victoria Donu (art, prop/costume design), and Genevieve Quarshie (art, costume design), facilitated an immersive workshop that transcended traditional education. In partnership with Broadway for Arts Education, the team also included Ben Houghton, Founder and Executive Director of BAE; Brittany Stone, International Coordinator; Dr. Christopher Sierra (voice); Manuela Restrepo (instrumental music, guitar, drums); Sraven Suresh (instrumental music, violin), and Rahul Jhunjhunwala (instrumental music, piano). Together, they orchestrated a symphony of learning that bridged continents and cultures.
The program’s first week focused on arts instruction and skill-building, while the second week was dedicated to rehearsals, mural painting, costume construction, and prop design. The students, previously unacquainted with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), quickly embraced Sing for Hope’s curriculum, which takes the SDGs as its jumping-off point. Students engaged in writing scenes and monologues, painting murals, and preparing choral selections while singing in multi-part harmony for the first time. The Shanti Bhavan youth also participated in cultural exchange sessions via video with Sing for Hope Lab students in New York.
A defining moment was the creation of a student-led musical inspired by the Global Goals, including a poignant scene about dolphins and oil spills. Directed by Sharyn Pirtle and brought to life with props and designs by Peter Herr and Victoria Donu, the performance highlighted the students’ newly honed creative skills, artistic expression, and understanding.
The final performances, held on May 31 and June 1, showcased the students’ proficiency in writing, directing, acting, lighting, sound, stage management, and prop/set building. This immersion in the arts not only enriched their education but also empowered them to address global issues with creativity and confidence.
Sing for Hope’s impact extended beyond its in-person classes. A new Sing for Hope mural co-created by the teachers and students now adorns Shanti Bhavan’s music room, symbolizing the enduring influence of this partnership. Additionally, 185 Sing for Hope t-shirts and totes were distributed, becoming cherished mementos of this life-changing experience.
Dr. Abraham George, the visionary founder of Shanti Bhavan, expressed profound gratitude for the collaboration. “Sing for Hope’s mission aligns perfectly with ours,” he remarked. “Their approach to education through the arts is not only innovative but also essential in cultivating a generation of socially conscious and empowered individuals.” Dr. George’s philosophy, rooted in dignity and humanity, is reflected in the school’s sustainable practices and community values.
This partnership also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. Dr. George and his wife were thrilled by the invitation for the Shanti Bhavan Chorus to perform at the United Nations in 2025 as part of the Sing for Hope International Youth Chorus. This opportunity underscores the potential for arts education to transcend borders and foster global understanding.
Reflecting on the initiative, Sharyn Pirtle observed, “Art is a universal language that can bridge cultural divides and address pressing global issues. The students at Shanti Bhavan embraced the Global Goals with enthusiasm, and their creativity and resilience were truly inspiring.” This sentiment was echoed by the entire Sing for Hope team, who noted the profound impact of an immersive, distraction-free learning environment.
As Sing for Hope continues to expand its Global Goals Arts Curriculum to classrooms worldwide, the collaboration with Shanti Bhavan stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of the arts to inspire change. This initiative has not only enriched the lives of the students but also reinforced the fundamental belief that arts education, infused with innovation and compassion, can indeed change the world.
