I want to create spaces for creative exploration and design innovative learning experiences for education.
I pursue this through three complementary initiatives. The first is the Creative Learning and Expressions Program, which integrates art, storytelling, and performance to enhance children's learning. The second is Kauri, a centre for art and storytelling in Varanasi, where children can explore their creative potential and connect with artists from different backgrounds. Third, I run and curate Mysticeti, an online publishing platform for writers and artists to share their work.
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Before starting these initiatives, I worked on international development projects with the United Nations Office at Geneva, Development Alternatives, and Quicksand Design Studio. I also received a scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at King’s College London.
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I live in Varanasi and Goa. Apart from work, I enjoy scuba diving, attempting analog sketching, and reading.
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I am keen to collaborate on projects that align with my interests in curatorial publishing and creative programming. Please connect with me at stutisareen1@gmail.com.
"Run by Varanasi-based Stuti Sareen, 28, Mysticeti is part of the niche albeit growing, set of cultural experience centres located in tier 2 and 3 cities and towns. These centres are not just opening up new ways of thinking about art but are also rooted in the context of the city, and have emerged as meaningful spaces for both locals and families visiting from other parts of the county."
Featured Projects
Kauri, Centre for Art & Storytelling
Case: Creative Programming
The first series of workshops at Kauri introduced children in Varanasi to new artists, experts, and areas of art, including poetry, foraging, zine-making, comic-making, stop-motion animation, short story writing, mixed media art, and world-building. These workshops were facilitated by a carefully selected group of artists from across India, including Rohini Kejriwal, Ita Mehrotra, The Museum of Art and Photography Bengaluru, and Anushree Joshi. My role involved curating the workshop series, collaborating with the artists, and managing outreach and registrations. Despite the challenge of introducing these new creative areas to the community, I reached the maximum registration limit. Additionally, I co-facilitated some of the workshops and ensured their smooth execution. In the coming months, workshops with different experts will be organised at varying frequencies to continue providing children with diverse and enriching experiences.
Mysticeti Magazine
Case: Curatorial Publishing
Mysticeti’s online magazine is a curated collection of short stories, journals, impromptu writings inspired by our prompts, art stories, and artist interviews. It has a growing archive of over 50 carefully crafted stories by both emerging and established writers.
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Each story is edited in collaboration with contributors and curated to ensure it visually reflects the story’s unique essence. My role at Mysticeti involves overseeing open calls for submissions, selecting stories for publication, and managing the editing and curation process on the website and across digital channels.
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What makes Mysticeti Magazine stand out is its commitment to creative freedom—it does not impose fixed themes or a strict publishing schedule. This flexibility allows Mysticeti to feature a wide variety of voices and artistic expressions, making its magazine an open, accessible space where writers and artists can connect with a broader audience.
creative learning and expressions program
Case: Play-based Learning
Slogan Impact is a card game born from discussions with children aged 7-9 about key challenges faced by India, such as unemployment, poverty, and pollution. The children brainstormed solutions and expressed them as slogans, which were then turned into mixed-media posters. These posters became part of a card game where players match solution-based slogans with problem scenario cards.
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I designed the session and curated the card game, which is now played by the children's school community, across age groups. Slogan Impact is also available as a game set for other child development initiatives and community spaces interested in it.
Kauri, Centre for Art & Storytelling
Case: Children's Community Space
The children's library at Kauri is my favourite room, and it’s a space that captivates visitors as soon as they step inside. It houses a carefully curated collection of level-specific children's books on themes such as people and places, art, identity, social movements, and folk stories, among others. The library is thoughtfully designed as a reader-centred environment and visually engaging displays. It also features a digitised, user-friendly self-issue system that is both efficient and cost-effective.
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I led every aspect of the library’s creation—from designing the space and curating the book collection from various bookstores to developing the self-issue system.
Mysticeti
Case: Storytelling in product development
I conceptualised "Maple" in collaboration with the home decor and art studio, Armatuer. Each candle in this collection is paired with a story card, designed to match the candle's fragrance and evoke a sense of calmness. I wrote the stories and supported the design of the products.
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"Maple" has garnered attention for its design-forward approach, being featured by Vogue, and for its immersive concept by The Hindu. This project reflects my interest in blending art, storytelling, and everyday objects into a calming experience.
creative learning and expressions program
Case: Reflective Storytelling
A Little Girl Named India is a collection of short stories and poems by children aged 8-11 at Kenzen School, where they personified India as a girl their age. Through this imaginative exercise, the children explored how India might look, her travels, values, and personality traits, reflecting their aspirations and hopes for their country.
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This collection was shared as an online zine and podcast with the school community and is available to read or listen to upon request. I designed and facilitated the sessions, curated the publication and the podcast.
Collaborate
Bring the Creative Learning and Expressions Program to your school or community
The Creative Learning and Expression Program uses a child-centered, inquiry-based approach to design activities that encourage children to express their thoughts, aspirations, and ideas through art and storytelling. It is flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for the needs of different schools and community spaces.
Create narratives for your products and initiatives
I help design compelling narratives that bring your products or initiatives to life. By blending storytelling with your brand’s vision, I create engaging content that resonates with your audience and enhances the overall experience.
Co-host an art or literary event
Co-host an art or literary event. This can be organized online through Mysticeti's Pod (our reading and writing group), offline at Kauri (which offers spacious areas with equipment and display options), or at your own community space.
Curate mixed-media stories and art for publication
I curate mixed media stories and art for both online and offline publications. These projects welcome contributions from all age groups, including children, creating a rich and diverse collection of creative works.
Facilitate a workshop at Kauri
Kauri welcomes artists from all fields to facilitate workshops for all age groups. Our centre provides the perfect space for creative exploration and skill-building in a vibrant and supportive environment.
Share a story and art with Mysticeti Magazine
Receive editing and publishing support for your stories and artwork through Mysticeti's platform. Mysticeti provides accessible services to edit and curate your work, and share it with a wider audience through our platforms.