La La Land Festival, Goa : A unique multi-disciplinary festival that cares about the Arts and the Environment

LaLaLand Festival returns to Goa for the fifth time on Dec 9-10, 2023. This international festival is set to connect the communities across Goa and the world, through twenty-five live, national and international acts. As the festival returns, so does its Trash4cash initiative. LaLaLand Festival and Artist Subodh Kerkar have teamed up for TRASH4CASH initiative LaLaLand Festival, scheduled on Dec 9-10th, 2023 is the world’s first festival to come up with a unique TRASH4CASH initiative where people can buy tickets to the festival with trash.

A LaLaLand Festival pass can be bought by donating empty chips packets, straws, plates and much more! 100 chips packets or plastic packaging gets you an entry pass This week the LaLaLand team along with Village Recyclers and One Earth NGO are visiting schools in Goa and educating children about recycling and upcycling of trash. People can bring chips, packets, straws, plates, cups, takeout containers, water bottles, thick shopping bags etc. and get tickets for the festival. Famous Goan artist, Subodh Kerkar will create an artwork from the collected trash, which will be showcased at the LaLaLand Festival. Adults can donate trash at a collection point set up at the entry gate to get access to the festival. Noreen Van Holstein, founder, LaLaLand Festival, said, “ I have always believed in positive social action and I believe this is a fantastic way to procure free access to a multidisciplinary arts festival that brings everyone together. This campaign not only has a positive impact on the environment but also spreads LaLaLand’s principle of being an inclusive festival for everyone regardless of their age and size of the wallet.” Artist Subodh Kerkar, Owner, Museum of Goa, added, “I am extremely privileged to be a part of the TRASH4CASH initiative. Creating Art with recycled material is a great step towards spreading the awareness for Sustainability. I love to create art with shells, sand ,twigs,stones, pebbles as well as recycled industrial materials like tyres and scrap metal.This practice of mine is my statement towards Sustainability.I am excited to see the response from children and schools and look forward to supporting this cause that has been prevalent and only growing in Goa”

Several reports state that in Goa, 50,000 plus plastic carry bags are used every day; that’s not all, 80 percent of dry waste is generated in kitchens, 72 percent of the clothing we wear is plastic, and we consume equal to one credit card of micro plastic every week. Waste derived from thin plastics and multilayered plastic products are very hard to recycle as it requires them to be melted down, but the different materials (with different melting points) can't be separated. Due to this, it's hard to use typical processes (specifically, 'extrusion') to recycle multilayer plastics. However, Team One Earth and Village Recyclers have managed to create value out of this waste. Trash4Cash is a combined effort of Village Recyclers, One Earth, Earth Day Network, artist Subodh Kerkar and LaLaLand Festival.

What can be donated? Single-use plastic: Plastic bags (thin carry bags) Biscuit, Chips and other FMCG packet (Lays, Biscuit, Multi Layer Plastic) Plastic packaging like thermocol, bubble wrap Straws, plates and cups and other cutlery Takeout containers (Food containers black and white coloured) Water bottles (bisleri, coke) Wet wipes Balloons Shampoo, detergent, soap bottles Multi-use plastics Reusable water bottles Shopping bags (thick strong bags) Food containers used to store food items like rice, wheat, sugar etc Mugs and glasses Tupperware containers and Lunchboxes Stationary items like pens, pen-pencil and other stationary boxes. Pots, buckets, mugs.

Experience LaLaLand - Where art meets inclusivity Supported by the Netherlands/Dutch Govt, LaLaLand Festival returning for the fifth time on Dec 9-10, 2023, is an international festival set to connect the communities across Goa and the world, through twenty-five amazing, live, national and international acts. You can immerse yourself in Tritha’s Electro - Raaga concert or move your body with Kula Skoro’s African Dance, watch breathtaking acrobatics and magic tricks, mime and theatre, AI art, listen to enchanting and rebelling poetry or enjoy the sounds of varieties of live music. Located within the picturesque Don Joao, a historical Portuguese heritage mansion in Nagoa, North Goa, the venue invites you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of LaLa Flea. You can also delight your taste buds with diverse cuisines crafted by culinary magicians from different corners of Goa. Additionally, you can indulge your curiosity and expand your horizons through a variety of interactive workshops where you discover and learn exciting new skills.

Noreen Van Holstein, founder, LaLaLand Festival says, “ At LaLaLand, we firmly believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which translates to ‘The World is One Family’. As a multidisciplinary art festival, we are bringing talents from all over the globe and local artists together. What better a destination than Goa. It is a unique example where global and local culture blend in really well and create this wonderful melting pot of creativity, flair, values and inspiration. We want to use the soft power of art to bring people together and break barriers that divide.” What makes LaLaLand truly special? It's a different and unique experience of Goa. LaLaLand aims to promote the unique culture of Goa and celebrate its diversity. At LaLaLand, make way for Bongisio, a Merces-based Konkani rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer, known to represent social issues in his songs as he performs his special act curated for the festival. Several renowned Goan artists will come together to create a special song dedicated to LaLaLand.

Don’t be surprised if you meet Dhrupad Gaonkar, a popular goan mime artist who is known for his satire and amazing silent performances. Several Goan ballet and music schools will also be in attendance. A partnership with Goan Art project to save Mhadei river will also be showcased at the festival Everyone’s invited! Embark on a wonderful journey where everyone is welcome. Be it kids, parents, grandparents,young adults, art enthusiasts, foodies, travellers. This festival unifies and cuts across age, gender, class and more. Those with special needs are given extra care and attention so they can enjoy the festival as much as others. With the Commission of PwD as the ‘inclusivity mentor’, LaLaLand is a truly inclusive space any time of the day. Beyond just an experience Lots of learning for all by engaging in interactive workshops and activities. You can participate in a workshop on “The use of artificial intelligence in art” or connect with your inner self with a family ecstatic dance practice by DJ Esta Polyesta from the Netherlands, the country famous for its progressive EDM music. Experience the LaLa Photo Booth created by Arundhati Chattopadyaya, a mini-theatre where you play your own act. There is also poetry, belly dance and aerial yoga workshops to choose from! A paradise for Kids LaLaLand is magical for kids and youngsters. Feel the energy of creating music together during the powerful percussion workshop by Dharavi Rocks, a group of musically talented teenagers from the slums of Mumbai. DHARAVI ROCKS is an educational project which is an initiative of the Acorn Foundation India an NGO working for the welfare of slum children and waste collectors/ rag pickers in Dharavi. Calling all fashion enthusiasts. At LaLaLand, you get the opportunity to create your own merchandise instead of buying. You can bring a T-shirt, tote bag, and buy a plain copy on the spot. The LaLa Familia will provide you with paints, LaLaLand stencils and some cool ideas. Proudly show the world that you visited LaLaLand and are part of the LaLa Familia! Sustainable: LaLaLand Festival is committed to sustainability. Trash4Cash, a unique initiative, offers people the opportunity to buy a festival ticket by donating trash. An artwork will be created from the collected materials by renowned artist Subodh Kerkar. A sapling can be picked up at the festival for those who pledge to the Planet vs. Plastics campaign, a global initiative by our sustainability partner Earth Day Network. Acoording o Noreen "LaLaLand was conceived with the vision of transforming a beautiful dream into reality. Through a vibrant palette of colours, enchanting magic, and all things delightful, this festival embodies the essence of happiness, love, respect, and support. Living in LaLaLand means living in a dream world.Come and experience the magic for yourself, where dreams become reality and every moment is a celebration of the extraordinary." When: Dec 9-10, 2023, 12pm - 9 pm /11am-9 pm Where: Don Joao, Nagoa Goa (near Saligao/Calangute) Entry fee: INR 750 and above for adults, INR 200 and above for kids Info and tickets: https://insider.in/lalaland-festival-dec9-2023/event https://www.lalalandfestival.in/ Instagram: LaLaLand