Sir JJ School of Art

The Sir JJ School of Applied Art is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in both Mumbai and India. The craftsmen who designed and built much of the school were also the same craftsmen who designed and built many of the iconic buildings in downtown Mumbai. Originally educating skilled trade artisans - mainly sculptors, painters, and illustrators - they now have courses in graphic design and photography.

Although the school prides itself on producing some the best technically skilled craftsman in the country, they don't encourage art criticism or exploring the limits of artistic expression. The majority of the students are from local villages around Mumbai with humble financial backgrounds.

The school is set on an idyllic campus in the middle of the city which includes Rudyard Kipling's childhood home.

In order to protect the work and creative space for students, as well as the historical elements of the campus, visitors are not usually permitted to enter and wander. However, the very first foreign student to attend and also about to graduate from the school is a friend of mine. I accompanied her as she prepared her exhibit for graduation day, strolled the campus, and enjoyed basking in the creative energy.