Yusmarg Collective Kashmir (YCK) is an open space for all kinds of cultural practitioners to meet, gather, interact and engage in a dialogue with each other in Kashmir. YCK birthed out of the crisis that were faced post Aug 5 2019 in Kashmir when people were caught in the unforeseen circumstances and events that played out, initially in the forms of curfews, bans and restrictions and following that the global pandemic. These circumstances almost led to closing of all opportunities and avenues of artistic expression. While global pandemic seemed to intensify it all, turning restricted movement, interruptions in life, isolation and distancing as normative modes of being.
These unsettling and unforeseen experiences forced us to reckon on our practices (individual as well as collective), and drove us to rethink our ideas, materials, technique and language. YCK is an attempt to come together, and create an association of congruity and care in difficult and precarious times.
