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In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, host Charuka sits down with Shaleen Wadhwana, an art writer, curator, and heritage professional who has built her career around connecting people to history and culture. The conversation explores why art history remains relevant today, not just as a subject studied in books or museums, but as a vital component in understanding the world around us. Shaleen discusses her journey into the field, beginning with her early interest in history at school, and now leading heritage walks, curating exhibitions, and experimenting with new ways to make the subject more accessible.
She also shares the realities of working in the arts, the financial challenges, the gaps in awareness and resources, and the effort it takes to keep going in a space that isn’t always easy for artists to sustain. At the same time, she highlights the exciting opportunities that come with collaboration and technology, such as her project with Vice World News UK and Tenso Webney, which utilised Instagram filters to spark discussions about artefacts in the British Museum.
Through this conversation, Charuka and Shaleen explore what it truly takes to build a career at the intersection of art, history, and culture, and why telling these stories with fresh perspectives is essential for shaping our understanding of both the past and the present.
This set effectively summarizes and segments the detailed content of the interview into easily navigable chapters for viewers.
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| 44:00.00 | Discussion about diversifying income and being an entrepreneur |
| 45:30.95 | Challenges faced by artists in pursuing their passion |
| 46:56.30 | Encouraging young artists to take on commission work |
| 48:05.55 | The impact of technology on art production |
| 49:23.89 | Shaleen’s experience working at the British Museum |
| 50:31.82 | Shaleen’s art history degree and its impact on her career |
| 52:09.68 | The importance of having multiple skills in the art industry |
| 53:52.34 | Shaleen’s involvement in curating the Camold exhibition |
| 57:30.91 | Shaleen’s role in curating the 60th anniversary exhibition |
| 59:23.89 | The challenges and growth of being an independent professional |
About the Guest(s):
Shaleen Wadhwana, an artist, art writer, curator and experienced independent arts and heritage professional, has contributed her expertise to various renowned Indian art galleries and museums.
She holds an impressive educational background, including a Young India Fellowship from Ashoka University, India, a Bachelor’s degree in History, a Master’s degree in Art History from SOAS in London, as well as extensive knowledge in Art Appreciation from the National Museum Institute in Delhi and Cultural Heritage Law from UNESCO-University of Geneva.
Currently, Shaleen is also serving as a visiting faculty member at the prestigious MITID Institute of Design located in Pune, India.
Episode Summary:
This week on Arts to Hearts Podcast, Charuka Arora interviews Shaleen Wadhwana, an art historian, curator, and arts writer. In this episode, they delve into Shaleen’s journey into the art world, exploring her role in curating shows, organising heritage walks, and her involvement in noteworthy projects, such as the British Museum archive documentary. They also emphasise the utmost importance of making art history more accessible, highlighting the need for changes in the art industry, such as fair pay and representation in art history textbooks. Shaleen brings attention to the value of balancing entrepreneurship and life as an art professional, emphasising the significance of venturing into various roles and industries to sustain a successful career in the arts. Currently, Shaleen is curating Camold’s highly anticipated sixtieth anniversary exhibition, which delves deep into the institution’s profound history and noteworthy impact.
Key Takeaways
Notable Quotes:
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.
Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists right in your studio.
Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.
Shaleen Wadhwana wears many hats—she’s an art writer, curator, artist, and heritage professional. Over the years, she has collaborated with some of India’s most renowned art galleries and museums. Her academic background is equally rich—she holds a degree in History, a Master’s in Art History from SOAS, London, and a Young India Fellowship from Ashoka University. She has completed additional studies in Art Appreciation and cultural heritage law. Alongside her projects, she also teaches as a visiting faculty member at MITID Institute of Design in Pune.
Why Art History Still Matters
In our conversation, Shaleen reminded us that art history and cultural heritage aren’t just about the past. They shape how we see our present and future. She shared how her journey began back in school, when a history teacher’s description of a battle scene sparked her interest. That moment made her realise how stories—and later, art—can bring the past alive.
How She Connects People to Culture
Shaleen believes in making art and history approachable. She does this through curating shows and leading heritage walks. During these walks, she takes people to monuments and tells the stories behind them, making history less intimidating and more relatable. It’s her way of helping people see culture not as something distant, but as something that connects directly to their lives.
The Roadblocks She Faces
Of course, working in this field isn’t easy. Shaleen spoke about how art history and cultural heritage often receive insufficient attention in India. Resources are limited, opportunities are fewer, and the subject can feel inaccessible to many. She also pointed out the harsh reality of making a financially sustainable career in the arts—something many professionals struggle with.
It all started when my history teacher described a war scene so vividly that I felt transported to another time. That’s when I realized how powerful history could be, especially when connected to art.
Shaleen Wadhwana- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e11
Using Collaboration and Tech
One thing Shaleen has leaned on is collaboration. She shared her experience of working with Vice World News UK and Tenso Webney in India on a project that used Instagram AR filters to share information about artefacts in the British Museum. It was a fresh approach to starting conversations about cultural repatriation and making complex topics more accessible. For her, combining creativity, tech, and partnerships is key to reaching broader audiences.
Through heritage walks and curated shows, I try to make history tangible and relatable. It’s about demystifying the subject so more people can connect with it
Shaleen Wadhwana- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e11
Why This Work Matters
What Shaleen and others in the field are doing goes beyond exhibitions or research papers. By questioning dominant narratives and highlighting overlooked histories, they’re helping society see a fuller picture of the past. This work also opens doors to cultural exchange, empathy, and new ways of thinking.
One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of awareness about art history and cultural heritage in India. We need more inclusive narratives and more opportunities to make this field sustainable.
Shaleen Wadhwana- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e11
Wrapping Up the Conversation
Talking with Shaleen made it clear how important it is to preserve art history and cultural heritage. These fields are more than academic; they shape identity, community, and even our vision of the future. Shaleen’s dedication to bridging gaps, experimenting with technology, and collaborating widely shows what’s possible when we try to make culture more accessible. And as she pointed out, the work doesn’t stop; it needs constant support, advocacy, and fresh ideas to stay alive and relevant.
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