Siddharth Somaiya's Immerse Fellowship Empowers Underrepresented Indian Artists
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| Siddharth Somaiya |
Mumbai artist Siddharth Somaiya’s Immerse Fellowship is changing the Indian art scene by supporting young, underrepresented artists across India with funding, training, and exposure. Read their real stories and how art becomes a voice of truth.
Story By Pralay Chatterjee, Veritas Times
“I have seen many talented artists fade away, especially those who come from small towns or poor backgrounds. They are often ignored by the mainstream art world. I want to make sure they don’t disappear,” says Siddharth Somaiya, a Mumbai-based artist.
Siddharth is the creator of the public artwork ‘Life Vest Under Our Seat’, installed at Worli Sea Face in Mumbai. The piece honors the city’s traditional Koli fishing community and aims to connect art with local people.
In a conversation with Veritas Times, he shared insights on his flagship initiative — the Immerse Fellowship — created to support young, emerging Indian artists, especially those from rural or underrepresented communities.
“We give them free studio space, travel and accommodation help, mentorship from senior artists and curators — and most importantly, 100% of sales proceeds go to the artists,” Somaiya said.
This fellowship was born during the COVID lockdown. Siddharth saw firsthand how many talented young artists had no platform, funding, or guidance to grow their art careers.
“I’ve seen talented people leave art behind because no one helped them,” he added.
Thamshangpha ‘Merci’ Maku
Umesh Singh
Jayeeta Chatterjee
Satyanarayana Gavara
Each of them brought personal stories and unique styles into the spotlight, thanks to Immerse.
Artists are expressing these raw stories through installations, sound, textiles, and mixed media.
“We don’t ask artists to fit into a mold. Immerse gives them the freedom to tell their stories, in their voice,” Siddharth explained.
Pricing their work
Writing artist statements
Understanding royalties
“Art is not just the end goal. It’s the result of a life lived — a reflection of everyday experiences,” says Siddharth.
Artists from Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, West Bengal, Haryana, Sawantwadi, and Karnataka have already benefited from this opportunity.
Siddharth recalled a fellow named Satya, who painted rice repeatedly. When asked why, Satya said his father was a landless farmer and hunger was his strongest childhood memory — something he still carries despite his success.
Another artist from Karnataka painted only houses because his mother, a daily laborer, always dreamed of owning one. His paintings are filled with that hope.
Siddharth believes India needs a true artist-first ecosystem.
“Artists must learn to value themselves and their work. Only then can we build a stronger cultural future. Immerse is just the beginning.”
Through Immerse Fellowship, Siddharth Somaiya is not just supporting artists — he’s changing the conversation around who gets to be seen and heard in India’s art world.
Visit Immerse Fellowship (or use the real link) to learn how to apply, connect with mentors, and become part of a growing, supportive community.
“I have seen many talented artists fade away, especially those who come from small towns or poor backgrounds. They are often ignored by the mainstream art world. I want to make sure they don’t disappear,” says Siddharth Somaiya, a Mumbai-based artist.
Siddharth is the creator of the public artwork ‘Life Vest Under Our Seat’, installed at Worli Sea Face in Mumbai. The piece honors the city’s traditional Koli fishing community and aims to connect art with local people.
In a conversation with Veritas Times, he shared insights on his flagship initiative — the Immerse Fellowship — created to support young, emerging Indian artists, especially those from rural or underrepresented communities.
What Is Immerse Fellowship?
Immerse is an artist-first programme launched by Siddharth Somaiya along with Natasha Jeyasingh, Al-Qawi Nanavati, and Shaleen Wadhwana. It is hosted at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Maharashtra, and has supported over 50 artists from 30+ cities since 2021.“We give them free studio space, travel and accommodation help, mentorship from senior artists and curators — and most importantly, 100% of sales proceeds go to the artists,” Somaiya said.
This fellowship was born during the COVID lockdown. Siddharth saw firsthand how many talented young artists had no platform, funding, or guidance to grow their art careers.
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| Siddharth Somaiya |
Who Can Apply?
Immerse calls for applications from young Indian artists who graduated within the last five years. Somaiya believes these early years are the most critical. Without support, many promising talents turn to jobs like waiting tables or working in offices — giving up their art dreams.“I’ve seen talented people leave art behind because no one helped them,” he added.
Success Stories from Immerse Fellowship
Past fellows include:Thamshangpha ‘Merci’ Maku
Umesh Singh
Jayeeta Chatterjee
Satyanarayana Gavara
Each of them brought personal stories and unique styles into the spotlight, thanks to Immerse.
Immerse 4.0 – “Sach Kahe To” (To Tell the Truth)
This year’s edition, themed ‘Sach Kahe To’, explores overlooked truths — like a fisherman numbing his body before diving, or a refugee from Partition trying to reconnect with lost memories of home.Artists are expressing these raw stories through installations, sound, textiles, and mixed media.
“We don’t ask artists to fit into a mold. Immerse gives them the freedom to tell their stories, in their voice,” Siddharth explained.
Training Artists Beyond Art
Immerse not only showcases art but also trains artists in:Pricing their work
Writing artist statements
Understanding royalties
Speaking confidently about their creations
“Art is not just the end goal. It’s the result of a life lived — a reflection of everyday experiences,” says Siddharth.
Artists from Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, West Bengal, Haryana, Sawantwadi, and Karnataka have already benefited from this opportunity.
Real Stories Behind the Art
Siddharth recalled a fellow named Satya, who painted rice repeatedly. When asked why, Satya said his father was a landless farmer and hunger was his strongest childhood memory — something he still carries despite his success.
Another artist from Karnataka painted only houses because his mother, a daily laborer, always dreamed of owning one. His paintings are filled with that hope.
Artist-First Ecosystem is the Future
Siddharth believes India needs a true artist-first ecosystem.
“Artists must learn to value themselves and their work. Only then can we build a stronger cultural future. Immerse is just the beginning.”
Through Immerse Fellowship, Siddharth Somaiya is not just supporting artists — he’s changing the conversation around who gets to be seen and heard in India’s art world.
Final Call-to-Action:
Are you a young artist with a story to tell?Visit Immerse Fellowship (or use the real link) to learn how to apply, connect with mentors, and become part of a growing, supportive community.
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