The second edition of sā Ladakh was supported by the 2023 EUNIC Cluster Fund and implemented by the EUNIC cluster in New Delhi. Held 3600 meters up in the remote Himalayan desert, this event left a lasting impact on all those who attended, thanks to an enriching lineup of site-specific art installations, sculptures, and dynamic programmes. Crafted from locally sourced, discarded, renewable, or reusable materials, the breathtaking artworks showcased the region's deep commitment to sustainability.

sā Ladakh was founded with a passion and a respect for landscapes, communities and the environment at its core. A particular focus was placed on engaging people from all walks of life, particularly young adults and the next generation - the future custodians of the land. sā's values centred on the key principle of climate optimism, with the aim to inspire cross-cultural, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary dialogue and exchange, appreciation and care for the natural world through 'regenerative art'.

Climate optimism isn’t about denying what we can see with our own eyes or ignoring our grief for what we’ve lost. It’s understanding that we know how to prevent things from getting worse and that we’re making progress.

We see regenerative art created out of recycled, renewable, biodegradable, and reusable material that does not leave a negative impact on the physical environment. Art that can be repurposed or re-utilised by the community members and sourced from local spaces. Art that can engage people and raise awareness of climate solutions at local and global levels. Art that also obeys diversity and inclusion - welcoming everyone and anyone, signifying a symbiotic relationship with lives and conveying a story.

This second edition of sā was more than just a display of land art. It also featured engaging school outreach programs, curated artist film screenings by the Dharamshala International Film Festival, and groundbreaking immersive contemporary performances. The lineup included a diverse array of talented artists such as Manisha Gera Baswani, Kunzes Zangmo, Tsetan Angmo, Zarina Parveen, Kundan Gyatso, Stanzin Tsepel, Tsering Youdol, Urgain Zawa, Li Actuallee, Viola Bordon, Doyel Joshi, Neil Ghose Balser, Omaggio Performing Company, Margherita Moscardini, Raghav and Ansh Kumar, Angelina Kumar, Ramon De Marco, Ikshit Pande, Jasmeet Dhillon, and Laurent Ziegler. Their thought-provoking works captivated and inspired all participants.

It was again inspiring to see how local and international artists could create innovative artwork while simultaneously implementing them in a regenerative way. This gives us all a better understanding of how to work in new ways to respect climate dignity through regenerative designs.

Michael Pal, President, EUNIC New Delhi, and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in New Delhi

This year the initiative welcomed around 2000 visitors over four days, mainly local visits, without putting pressures on the capacity of the fragile ecosystem. The digital reach surpassed expectations with 815 million views, confirmed by the German Embassy to India.

The event leaves behind a legacy of climate optimism, artistic innovation, and sustainability. The thought-provoking installations, dynamic programmes, and collaborative efforts have set a new standard in the art community, inspiring future generations to engage in meaningful dialogues and actions towards a sustainable future.

Ladakh’s humbling landscape provided an incredible canvas. Sharing Disko Valley with talented artists from around the world was an honour. This experience has brought new friends and family into my life.

Li Actuallee, Indian artist