The brain behind The Arts Trust and ICIA, Mr Vickram Sethi, is known to be a committed and articulate art aficionado. He has been actively engaged in promoting contemporary Indian art, and has been striving to raise awareness and interest in Indian art.

The Institute of Contemporary Indian Art (ICIA) serves as a logical extension of The Arts Trust vision of becoming the best source for quality work by both the distinguished and emerging artists. The Arts Trust was set up in 1990 with a long-term vision of promoting Indian contemporary art, which was just gaining in prominence at that time.

Towards this end, The Arts trust organizes art exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of talent and creativity, providing the viewers a glimpse of promising artists who work in various genres, styles, subjects and mediums.

In 1996, The Arts Trust was handed over the responsibility of managing the Harmony Show launched by the Reliance Group. It has also hosted several art camps and art events such as the annual RPG art exhibitions. The Arts Trust boasts of several prestigious clients such as RPG Group, Kotak Bank, ABN AMRO bank, Indian Hotels, Oberoi Group and Hyatt Hotel among others.

Of course, the journey has been full of several challenges, as Mr Vickram Sethi reminisces: “When I started, the art scene was quite different from what it is now. It was difficult to find space (for hosting the shows). I did my first show more than 15 years ago at the Oberoi, titled ‘Masters of India’. I was amazed at the response, and then began to do art shows at the Y B Chavan studio more often.”

He is extremely optimistic and positive about the emerging crop of artists. He quips: “There’s immense talent here!” In keeping with his vision, the previous edition of Art Expo India brought to the fore highly talented and dynamic artists from across the country and abroad in a grand event in Mumbai.

Bookmark to:

A major attraction of the Giftex show every year is the wide array of options it offers on corporate gifting. It also looks to create an awareness of techniques and advantages of a corporate gifting program thanks to experts with a vast experience in the gifting industry attending the gift.

Getting the right gift to impress clients has always been a tricky topic. There are so many decisions to be made like how much should be spent on corporate gifting exercise. It depends on your business scale and the worth of your crucial clients.

However, an expensive item may not go well with some clients. So the first rule of thumb for you as a gift giver is to know your respective clients first before you select a gift for them. You need to be discreet and selective.

After you have determined the dynamics including purpose of gift giving to fit the budget, your next challenge is deciding what? Depending on the situation and the occasion there are many options available (as you will find out at the Giftex exhibition). Something with an inherent thought behind it is always appreciated. This sure will strengthen your bonds with your corporate clients.

Logo or no logo is another decision to make. Whether to put your company logo or not is a matter of personal choice. Everyone loves seeing their company logo on products, but not every recipient would appreciate it. If you are confident of having selected a gift, which will make a lasting impression, you need not put your company logo on it.

The recipient will remember you by the gift itself if it is ‘different’ and thoughtful. It must help you and your brand stand out from the clutter. So instead of going for plain diary as a gift, you may get one made from exquisite handmade paper with the recipient’s name nicely embossed on it. Being distinctive in approach towards gifting would make sure that the person would always remember you every time he or she sees or uses your gift.

The Giftex 2012 will provide you with various such clues to getting the right corporate gift.

Bookmark to:

Safety, cost efficiency and durability are the three aspects that any business would primarily look for while buying office equipment. Brilliant International is one name that comes to mind, when you want to buy electrical accessories and other workplace-related appliances.

They manufacture and export a wide range of electrical accessories and appliances such as doorbells, ceiling fans, switches, etc. The company formed in 1981, has established a reputation for itself as a reliable supplier and producer over the last two decades in this field – in India and internationally. It has adhered to the highest quality control standards over time.

Brilliant International also designs products as per specific customer specifications and design. This is made possible by a skilled technical staff, and a meticulous quality testing by them for each product. Let us take a look at their vast product range:

•    New Beautiful Bells

•    PVC Accessories / Trunking / Adaptable Boxes

•    Ceiling Fans & Regulators

•    D.P Switches / Switches / Sockets

•    ChangeOver and Onload Changeover

•    Tinned Copper Lugs / Glands

•    G.I.Boxes / Steel

•    Boxes American Type

•     Top Plugs and AST Parts

•     Bulk Head Fittings & Holders

•     Earthing Rod & Accessories

•     Extension Sockets

•    Wire Clips

•    GI Conduit Accessories

•    Din Rail Channel

•    Screws / Fasteners

They also manufacture a range of household appliances. You can get complete details of their vast product range, here:

For business inquiries, contact:
Brilliant Complex, Unit A & B,
Western Express Highway, Miragaon,
Mira Road (East) 401 104
Mumbai, India

Phone: (00 91 22) 2945 2101 - 05
Fax: (00 91 22) 2945 2106
Email: brilliantintl@vsnl.com

You can also check out their stall at the Giftex 2012 slated to be held in the second week of February.  It’s a company that truly sticks to its brand name: Brilliant. There can be no better way than this of branding and positioning for a company.

Bookmark to:

Indian art is slowly but surely becoming a crucial component of an alternate investment portfolio. This shift of strategy is largely being driven by the fact that Indian art is drawing attention and valuation that it thoroughly deserves.

Contemporary Indian art is gaining prominence worldwide. So it is not mere coincidence that Art Expo India has emerged as among the most prestigious art events to showcase Indian art for collectors and art lovers worldwide. It is among the most important art event in India, a cultural highlight for the country.

The three day long Art Expo India 2009 event, starting from 25th September, is a platform to launch Indian art in the international arena with meticulous selection of top galleries and well-conceived program of special exhibitions, seminars and other events.

Speakers Schedule at Art Expo India 2009
25th September

5:00 pm: The Key note address will be Mrs. Kay Saatchi in conversation with Malika Sagar Adwani on spotting young talent and building up an art collection.

26th September

•12:00 am – 1:00 pm: Art in Life: the daily pleasure of collecting, Dr. Rashmi Poddar in conversation with by Judith Greer.

•3:00 pm – 4:00 pm : The aesthetics of the erotic Dr. Alka Pande, Satish Manashinde moderator Anjolie Ela Menon.

•4:30 pm – 5:30 pm : (X)topia: A Search for Place, A Place for Search - A Conversation between Jitish Kallat and Ranjit Hoskote..

27th September
•12:00 am – 1:00 pm : Everything is Art a panel discussion between Bose Krishnamachari , architect Shantanu Poredi moderator Rajshree Pathy.

•3:00 pm – 4:00 pm : Sharan Apparao & Menaka Kumari Shah buying art in recessionary times Moderator Brian Brown.

•4:30 pm – 5:30 pm : Kirsty Ogg  in conversation with Abhay Sardesai on Indian Art in an international prospective.

Art Expo India 2009 serves as an opportunity to know more about adding art as an asset class in your portfolio, and also as an option for gifting at corporate and individual level.

Tags: gifting to clients, Worst gifts, Corporate gifting, Gifting events, gifting etiquette, Corporate gifting India, Gifting occasions, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, promotional products, promotional gifts

Bookmark to:

Art has a great display and asset value for both individuals as well as corporate houses. It makes a treasure to cherish in every sense. This value will come to the fore at Art Expo India 2009 (Venue: Nehru Center, Mumbai; Dates: September 25th - 27th) is a comprehensive source for understanding art – its past, present and future. It will present a wide array of works by famous and upcoming Indian artists.

Despite the recession and the subsequent fall in prices, experts feel the market for fine art is still very strong, though not as hyped as it was a couple of years ago. Importantly, long term collectors want to use this phase to build on their portfolios.

Especially, a host of investors-individual as well institutional- from European and American art circuit are looking to add Indian art to their collections. For many of them Indian art is still new. Art Expo India 2009 will act as a window for them to peep into Indian art.

Trade & Technology Exposition Co. (India) Pvt. Ltd was established in 1987 as an exhibition organizing company and several events on different themes were organized thereafter. Their flagship exhibition is GIFTEX which is now in its 21st year. With over 70 Shows to their credit Trade & Technology have the experience, the ability and the understanding of the art market as well.

The organization is headed by Vickram Sethi and has a support team that specializes in setting up trade events.  He has been setting up art shows and events from 1990. Before setting up art expo, the core team members had visited art fairs all over the world speaking to both galleries and art buyers to understand their needs. Being in both businesses Trade & Technology Exposition Co has the ability and knowledge to put together a major art event that would cater to the needs of the broader market.

Visit and enjoy Art Expo India 2009! The vibrant vistas of Indian Contemporary Art have opened for you.

Tags: business gift baskets, low cost gifts, Best business gifts, gifting to clients, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, Corporate gifting, business gifting, promotional gifts, Business etiquette, Popular corporate gifts

Bookmark to:

In our recent blog, we discussed a unique initiative by Hindustan Unilever for all its employees. The company has set certain parameters that are meticulously measured, and a score is given to each employee on a vitality index score card.

The lower is the score, the better is an employee’s vitality;  a score of 0 to 4 puts the employee concerned in the green zone, a score of 5 to 6 slots one in the amber zone and a 7 plus score puts one in the red zone. Each employee is informed about his/her personal vitality score/color zone in a confidential manner.

Such relation building programs are a big boost to the employees’ morale and far more gainful than mere monetary rewards and incentives.  Of course, these measures succeed only if there’s a buy-in at the top! The top management committee ensured this. Another challenge was to create a buzz around the initiative. Mailers and posters like ‘Do you see red every time you see a staircase?’, or ‘Cool as a cucumber about your health? Don’t wait till it becomes red-hot’ were circulated.

In the next stage, employees were prompted to improve their vitality scores by conducting workshops  across the company’s different locations, through events such as Family Day, Walkathons, Vitality Exhibitions, nutritional menu counseling etc. Interactive sessions were held to teach the employees about the concept of BMI, ways of improving lifestyle, healthy diet to avoid/reduce weight gain as well as proper exercises for weight management.

The focus has been on scientific exercise methods, correct practical nutritional advice, and stress management techniques. The aim is to create health awareness so as to attain better fitness levels and enhanced lifestyle patterns. Workshops are conducted on post-retirement health planning for managers. At a basic level, the vitality index project reflects common sense: The healthier your employees, the more likely they’re to be (efficient) at work.

Tags: Cheap corporate gifts, low cost gifts, business gift baskets, Popular corporate gifts, Worst gifts, gifting etiquette, Gifting occasions, business gifting, promotional products, Best corporate gifts

Bookmark to:

This one’s indeed a cool exhibition. At the Institute of Contemporary Indian art (ICIA) shop, you can well find ceramic egg sculptures in attractive shapes and sizes. The exhibit started just in time for fabulous festive Easter weekend.

Nine ceramic artists from Mumbai and New Delhi are displaying nearly 70 different art works related to Easter, priced in the range of Rs500 to Rs3,000.
 
‘The beautiful oval’ is a ceramic creation at the ICIA exhibit. One of the participating artists, Anjali Khanna, has been quoted as saying: “The idea here is that the egg is perceived as a symbol of renewal.  I’ve focused on the same. I’ve made sweet looking bunny rabbits as well as chickens with egg. I have focused on the ‘cosmic egg’ aspect as well as the symbol of birth & death through an egg.”

Delhi based Apeksha Mathur echoed the same thought, “The egg here is a symbol of a new life. I was experiencing positive vibrations and energy while working on these art works and enjoyed it all thoroughly.” 

Set up by Mr Vickram Sethi, The Arts Trust and ICIA have been engaged in promoting Contemporary Indian Art. They focus on the promotion of art by established and young artists. The viewers at the exhibit have increased tremendously in the last few years, as awareness and interest in contemporary art has developed.

The Arts Trust was started in 1990. Events presented range from shows that cater to large audiences and single-evening events for select people. ICIA besides organizing exhibitions, provide art lovers and patrons with an opportunity to view works in different genres.  The latest exhibition is a case in point! It is on till the end of April.

Tags: promotional gifts, Business etiquette, Cheap corporate gifts, corporate gifting for employees, gifting to clients, Popular corporate gifts, corporate gifts companies, gifting etiquette, low cost gifts, Corporate gifting

Bookmark to: