April 26^th 2012 saw the launch of international arts charity Arts for India (AFI) at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The launch event was put together with meticulously executed details.

Hema Virani, US Director for AFI announced the launch of Arts for India in USA, & later introducing the US Chairman, Mr. Jeffrey Stevenson to join on the stage with Mr. S.K. Modi, AFI\\\'s International Chairman. Mr. Modi briefly spoke & welcomed guests of the evening accompanied by Mr. K. K. Modi (Mr. S.K. Modi\\\'s brother) on the stage. Mr. K.K. Modi engrossed the attendees with the Modi family history & their ties with the U.S. in various businesses. He affirmatively validated U.S. as being one of the key countries for philanthropy. The Chairman for AFI, Mr. S.K. Modi took over the stage later & identified the need to support underprivileged students in India pursuing Arts and AFI’s critical role in assisting these students.

The charity, Arts for India, (artsforindia.org), is a UK registered charity, launched in 2010 at Kensington Palace. Arts for India has been established to help underprivileged Indian artists to get the education they deserve, via international sponsorship programs as well as to work together with its educational partners to help establish International Institute of Fine Arts (IIFA) as the first exclusive fine arts university of India, including an internationally recognized museum and a centre for performing arts.

IIFA’s has currently 2 educational partnerships:

 

(2) The University of the Arts, London.

The long term ambition for IIFA is to convert it into the first private university of the Arts in India with a new campus that includes a performing arts centre and an internationally recognized museum, the project known as the “Universe of Art”. 

In the launch event at Guggenheim, the guest list included elite individuals & corporate representatives who flew from international waters. The glow of evening was none other than the Guest of Honor, Actress and Philanthropist, Goldie Hawn. Goldie Hawn was given the Dayawati Modi Award for her dedication in the field of Art, Culture and Education.

Mark Shand, Conservationalist and founder of Elephant Family, was also one of the key guests in the evening. AFI has strategic ties with the Elephant Family & their campaign in 2013 “The Jungle City” (jungle-city.org),which will unveil some 500 uniquely painted animals in NYC. Arts for India will be designing ¼ of these & when they are all auctioned, funds generated which will go straight to IIFA.

Bina Modi (binamodi.com) enthralled the attendees with her exceptional line of fine quality hand embroidered couture pieces. The models, mesmerizing every soul under the Guggenheim dome with some of the finest hand-embroidered garments, Indian craftsmen has to offer. Throughout the evening, Peter Duchin, the famous American Pianist and Band Leader, kept everyone foot-tapping with his melodious live band.

Arts for India has laid a very solid foundation through this launch event & will continue its efforts in supporting country\\\'s talented & upcoming artists for their mastery in the areas of Arts & related skills.