Panchgani Hosts PFA Art Getaway Promoting Eco-Friendly Travel

The misty hills of Panchgani recently played host to the 10th Art Getaway by Platform For Artists (PFA), a Pune-based creative community focused on interdisciplinary art. Organised in collaboration with Zostel, one of India’s largest backpacker hostel chains, the three-day residency (August 10–12) took place at a newly opened shipping container-style hostel, aligning with Zostel’s eco-travel campaign, #iTravelGreen.

Art Meets Sustainability in Panchgani

The getaway offered urban artists a chance to step away from city life and immerse themselves in nature. Inspired by the innovative container-based architecture and the serene surroundings, participants created art centred on eco-friendly travel and sustainability.

Artists were paired on the first day to collaborate across disciplines, encouraging conversations and fusion of ideas. The unique format pushed participants to explore new perspectives and experiment with different art forms.

Collaboration, Creativity, and Expression

The second day featured an immersive session led by a practising architect and designer, followed by group activities focused on design narratives. Participants presented their interpretations of eco-friendly travel through:

• Impromptu skits

• Poetry and recitals

• Graphic art

• Music compositions inspired by natural elements like fire and snow

This collaborative environment brought together graphic designers, illustrators, tattoo artists, writers, painters, and videographers, enriching the overall experience.

Building a Platform for Artists

Platform For Artists currently operates across eight cities and has hosted multiple art getaways to encourage collaboration and creative expression.

Kshitija Sarda, CEO & Co-founder, PFA, shared that the initiative aims to provide an unbiased platform for artists to express themselves and connect with meaningful opportunities through their Artist Service Provider model.

Promoting Eco-Travel Through Art

Speaking about the collaboration, Akhil Malik, CEO & Co-founder, Zostel, highlighted the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly travel through its #ITravelGreen campaign. He emphasized the importance of engaging creative communities to amplify sustainability awareness.

Voices from the Getaway

Participants described the experience as both enriching and transformative:

• Yatharth Roy Vibhakar, a graphic design student and music composer, appreciated the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas.

• Srishti Bhandari from NIFT Mumbai noted how such interactions inspire artists to think beyond conventional boundaries.

• Architect Joydeep Mondal praised the openness of participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration in shaping sustainable artistic practices.

A Step Towards Sustainable Creativity

The Panchgani Art Getaway successfully blended art, collaboration, and sustainability, demonstrating how creative communities can contribute to environmental awareness. With initiatives like these, PFA continues to bring emerging talent into the spotlight while promoting meaningful and eco-conscious expression.