Arts Practices for InclusionTM (API) – Maharashtra
Arts Practices for InclusionTM (API) is an interdisciplinary approach that uses diverse art forms—such as drama, music, movement, visual arts, and play—to foster inclusion, psychosocial well-being, and deeper human connection across communities. Over the past decade, Arts Practices for InclusionTM (API) has evolved through sustained engagements across diverse contexts working with individuals, communities, and organisations in India and beyond.
There is already deep, meaningful work happening across the disability and social sector with organisations holding communities, building access, and creating pathways for care and participation.
With a growing network of practitioners and the completion of 10 cohorts of the API training programme, a clear direction has emerged: The need is not to start something new, but to co-create, share practices, and deepen what already exists
The API Maharashtra Project (2026–27) is a step in this direction.
It marks a shift towards co-partnering, co-locating, and regionalising this work, building context-driven models that can serve as pilots for expansion across other regions in India.
API Maharashtra: The Initiative
The API Maharashtra Project is a regional initiative focused on embedding arts-based inclusion within organisations working in the disability and social sector.
Rather than delivering isolated interventions, the project works alongside organisations to strengthen how inclusion is experienced within the systems that hold people be it programmes, teams, and everyday spaces.
CORE IDEA
Sustainable inclusion happens when organisations and systems evolve where the arts enable participation, connection, and social inclusion for all.
The API Maharashtra Approach
This project is rooted in the belief that there is already significant work happening in the field. The role of this initiative is to:
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Co-create with organisations, not work in isolation
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Build on existing strengths and practices
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Enable sharing of knowledge and approaches across organisations
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Explore how API can be meaningfully embedded within current systems
The project supports organisations to:
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Build internal practitioner capacity
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Integrate inclusive practices into everyday programmes
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Develop systems, protocols, and leadership alignment
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Create long-term, self-sustaining inclusion spaces
This ensures that inclusion is not dependent on a few individuals, but becomes part of how organisations function.
Scaling API: A Regional Model
API Maharashtra is part of a larger vision to scale arts-based inclusion through regional clusters.
By focusing on cities like Pune and Mumbai, the project builds:
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Peer learning networks across organisations
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Shared practices and collective learning spaces
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Local leadership and mentorship structures
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A foundation for long-term ecosystem development
This clustered approach enables organisations to learn from one another, while grounding practices in local realities.
How It Works
Training & Immersion
Practitioners learn through experience, reflection, and field practice.
Institutional Embedding
Practices are integrated into programmes, routines, and systems.
Internal Cascade
Practitioners extend learning within their organisations.
Ecosystem Building
Organisations learn from each other and build networks.
Sustainability
Regional leadership and structures emerge.
Our Blogs
Arts-based Therapy courses: To Be discontinued?
With the introduction of the National Commission for Healthcare and Allied Healthcare Professionals Act, 2021, many questions have come up about the continuation of arts based therapy courses in the country and most of them remain unanswered. What is clear however is...
Bring API to Your Organisation
If you are an organisation working with:
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children, adults, or communities
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disability, neurodiversity, education, or social development
this work may be relevant to you.
We are particularly looking to partner with organisations that:
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recognise the need to deepen participation and engagement
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are open to co-learning and shared practice
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want to explore how arts can enable social inclusion in everyday spaces
Express Your Interest
We are currently engaging with organisations across Maharashtra to be part of this initiative.
Fill the Google Form below if you would like to:
- Learn more about the project
- Explore participation as a partner organisation
- Understand how API can integrate into your work