Priyanka Kundu

Biography

As a Museum Keeper at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), Priyanka is in charge of Museum Education and Outreach. She endeavours to make ‘Art’ accessible and relevant by designing audience-focused programmes. She is also leading the team responsible for developing promotional strategies for museum programmes.

Priyanka believes in a continuous learning process and imparting knowledge. Academically trained in Art History, her area of interest is ancient and medieval Indian art, particularly exploring the relation between the sculptures and architectural spaces.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum takes pride in its rich collection of Indian Art, representing cultures and ethnicities spread throughout the sub-continent. It is best known for some of its prominent collections on Jain Art, especially from the Gujarat region and has a vision to reach regional audiences and simultaneously step into the global realm.

The knowledge and experience Priyanka gained on the ITP in 2022 helped her to mould new approaches and perspectives towards conceptualising age-friendly programmes – which seek to turn the museum into a place not only for learning but also for interaction, exchanging feelings, well-being, and enjoyment. The ‘Senior Citizens Programme’ is one such prominent and well-received initiative by Priyanka. She is also actively contributing in the planning and conducting of diverse sessions for school children. One of Priyanka’s prominent pieces of work involves research on the collection, making it accessible and relatable to the audience through various educational initiatives – like temporary exhibitions. ‘SHAKTIRUPA: Goddess as Imagined by the Artists’, an exhibition curated by Priyanka (on view at Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum from 29th March to 20th July, 2025), attracted a lot of viewership, particularly due to its multisensory engagement. Her recent works highlight collaboration between people of the city and the museum.

At the British Museum
During Priyanka’s time on the International Training Programme, she spent time in whole group sessions for a detailed overview of all aspects of the Museum’s work, both front of house and behind the scenes.  She also spent time in the Asia department. Priyanka spent her UK partner placement at Glasgow Museums.

Priyanka worked with the ITP 2022 participants to develop a 15-object trail based on a story they wanted to share based around the British Museum collection. The theme of the trail was food and drink and Priyanka’s chosen object was a Head of the Fasting Buddha, from ancient Gandhara region, 2nd-3rd century CE.

Priyanka’s place on the International Training Programme was generously supported by the Charles Wallace India Trust and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.

Priyanka attended the International Training Programme legacy project Museums Association Conference & Exhibition 2024, in Leeds.