Shillong all set to host Metropolis 2018 from Nov 22 to 24

Guwahati: Northeast’s very own ‘urban winter festival’, ‘Metropolis, 2018’, is all set to woo visitors from November 22 and 24. However, instead of Guwahati in Assam, the much-awaited event is going to be held in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, this time around.

Just like in the past, the three-day festival will be bringing together indigenous culture, pop and contemporary art, literature, food, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, music, film, photography, adventure, inspirational talks and discussions, all under one roof.

Since its inception in 2013 in Guwahati, the festival has come a long way, and Metropolis Asia, the organiser of the event, is now planning to make it a global extravaganza. Delegates from countries such as France, China and Canada, among others would be attending the fest, with their embassies extending their support to the event.

To serve the creative craving of the people of the region, among a host of activities lined up, Metropolis Asia is also hosting a ‘Global Water Colour Summit’, which would be conducted by international artists including La-fe from Thailand, Atanur Dogan from Turkey, Kauser Hussain from Bangladesh and NB Gurung from Nepal.

Films of international repute would also be screened at the three-day spectacle.

Apart from all the fun and merrymaking, the organisers of the annual fest have also made it a point to initiate talks and engagement on ‘Environmental Conservation’. The burning topic has been included keeping in mind the growing concern over the deteriorating climatic conditions and its consequent effects on the environment. Global think tanks and environmental leaders have also collaborated with the event.

In order to spread awareness on the same, a cycle tour called ‘Eco Trails’ was flagged off on November 6 from KL Bajoria College in Shillong. It culminated on Tuesday in Shillong, after having covered a total distance of 787 km.

With the world struggling to get rid of all things plastic, Metropolis 2018 is doing its bit. The event has been organised around the theme of ‘Earth Connect’ stressing on curbing the use of the non-biodegradable material.

Speaking to EastMojo, Dogen, a member of the organising committee, said, “A special art installation, ‘YOU DID IT! You Used, You Trashed and You Wrapped the World in Plastic’ has been put in place at the venue. The concept is based on the alarming rise in waste, increasing the dependence on the use of plastics. This installation is a ‘sarcastic remark’ on the role played by humans in bringing about the unprecedented rate of environmental degradation.”