‘Summercraft Children’s Festival’ which will be held on May 17 and 18, is a celebration
of imagination, empowerment, and sustainability
ADITHI SHARMA | NT KURIOCITY
The Museum of Christian Art (MoCA), Old Goa, is preparing to host the second edition of ‘Summercraft Children’s Festival’—a vibrant children’s fest timed to coincide with International Museum Day. Scheduled for May 17 and 18, this two-day celebration promises an engaging, imaginative, and meaningful experience curated with a distinct purpose: to let children lead the way in creativity, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness.
Billed as “a festival by children, for children”, Summercraft is not merely an event—it is a platform where young minds take centre stage as artists, storytellers, performers and even small-scale entrepreneurs. “Summercraft was envisioned as a celebration of creativity, learning, and self-expression,” says curatorial associate and educator at MoCA, Benjamin Monserrate. He adds that with the second edition, the festival has expanded to include a wider range of activities and stronger thematic integration with global conversations such as sustainability and biodiversity, aligning closely with MoCA’s educational mission. For instance, the storytelling sessions focus on nature motifs found within MoCA’s collection, helping to build a sense of connection and responsibility toward the natural world.
Central to the festival is the ‘Children’s Bazaar’, where participants are given a stall of their own to display and sell their handmade goods—be it whimsical clay figurines, hand-sewn scarves, greeting cards, or even home-cooked delicacies. Handcrafted eco-conscious products are also included here. The Bazaar will be open on both days from 4 to 6.30 p.m., transforming the museum’s courtyard into a hub of creativity and commerce. The children, Monserrate shares, are encouraged to handle every aspect—from conceptualising their products to pricing and presentation. “There is informal mentoring from parents and the MoCA team, but the process is very much child-led. The goal is to instil an entrepreneurial mindset and build confidence while fostering creativity and collaboration,”
he says.
Also featured on day one is an exhibition of children’s artworks, drawn directly from MoCA’s collection and the museum’s heritage setting. The artworks—ranging from paintings and drawings to mixed-media compositions—have been developed through workshops that engage with objects and motifs from the museum, including azulejos tiles and stucco decorations. “Through guided tours and storytelling, children have reinterpreted what they see using their own artistic vocabulary,” says Monserrate. “The resulting artworks are deeply personal yet rooted in heritage, reflecting how young minds engage with history and culture when given the tools and space.”
Besides this, a workshop on glass painting with alternate materials has been specially curated for the festival. The workshop will introduce children to translucent acrylic sheets as a safe substitute for glass. “The essence of glass painting—its vivid colour, light, and transparency—is retained,” says Monserrate, “but the use of acrylic sheets ensures a secure, child-friendly environment.”
Day two of the festival opens with the continuation of the Children’s Bazaar, but its spotlight shifts to performance. A lively open mic session from 5 to 6 p.m. invites young performers to take the stage with songs, poems, jokes, and even magic tricks. This will be followed by a concert of children’s groups from across Goa, celebrating musical talent and community spirit through soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms. These performance-based platforms, Monserrate believes, are as essential as the visual art components. “They give children the chance to express themselves freely and build self-confidence. Whether they’re singing, reciting, or simply speaking in front of a crowd, they are encouraged to overcome fear and celebrate their individuality,” he says.
‘Summercraft’ also fits squarely within MoCA’s broader mission of making museums accessible, engaging, and relevant to young audiences. The festival challenges the notion of museums as static institutions and repositions them as living, breathing spaces of interaction and exploration. “By connecting children to cultural heritage through storytelling and art-making, we’re nurturing curiosity and helping them see museums as dynamic environments where they can participate meaningfully,” says Monserrate.
Importantly, ‘Summercraft’ also resonates with the 2025 theme for International Museum Day: ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’. According to Monserrate, this alignment is no coincidence. “The festival positions children as both creators and connectors, empowering them to engage with culture and community in meaningful ways. By embracing sustainability and by reimagining museum experiences through a child’s lens, ‘Summercraft’ reflects the evolving, inclusive, and community-driven future that museums are striving toward.”
The response to Summercraft has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and schools have expressed appreciation for the event’s blend of learning and fun, and community engagement has been strong. MoCA is already looking ahead to future editions with plans to deepen partnerships with schools and expand the programming to include collaborative projects that integrate ecology, art, and heritage education.
