Our Story
“I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones, and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life.”
– Sylvia Plath
This quote encapsulates the existential questions that have shaped my personal and professional journey. ARISA is my response to these questions—a step further into the integration of arts, scientific research, education, and social justice. It is the culmination of experiences, challenges, and aspirations that have shaped me and will continue to guide the growth of this organization.
Founded in 2023, ARISA addresses the critical need for interdisciplinary and intersectional research, outreach, and education in the arts and sciences.
ARISA is built on four foundational elements:
ARISA Research Lab, which fosters interdisciplinary and intersectional research and dialogue;
ARISA Community Canvas, dedicated to public outreach and enhancing accessibility to the arts and sciences;
ARISA Education Hub, empowering individuals, school modules, trainings, and workshops for mental health awareness and neuroscience literacy, and
ARISA’s Creative Lab Festival that brings all of these together.
All four of our pillars are built on the principles of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and community engagement.
A Neuroscientist, a Psychologist, and an Art Educator Walk Into a Bar...
This isn’t the start of a joke—it’s the essence of ARISA. Founded by me, Kohinoor, the foundation is fuelled by a team of remarkable minds: Sanjana, a mental health professional, and Madhura, an art educator. Together, we are weaving a tapestry of insights from neuroscience, psychology, and the arts to create a platform that grows beyond the sum of its parts.
Why ARISA?
The name ARISA is inspired by the Japanese word meaning “there is sand.” As Rachel Carson beautifully said, “In every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth.” Through ARISA, I hope to narrate impactful stories of transformation and connection—stories that reveal the beauty and power of the intersection of arts and sciences.
Our Mission
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Create a global research center advancing academic research at the intersection of psychology, art, and neuroscience.
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Preserve and document diverse cultural forms of expression.
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Foster scientific curiosity to enable people to make informed decisions, and grow a community of socially conscious leaders
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Enhance mental health awareness and neuroscience literacy, and harness the power of the arts for holistic well-being
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Make the arts and sciences open, equitable, and accessible for all.
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Create opportunities for collaboration and shared discovery through community engagement.
Looking ahead
ARISA is more than an organization—it is a living, evolving entity shaped by the people, communities, and stories that it touches. With ambitious plans for the future, we strive to make the integration of arts and sciences not just accessible but transformative.
Together, we hope to create a world where curiosity and creativity inspire action, where diversity is celebrated, and where every individual feels empowered to contribute to social change.
- Kohinoor Darda January, 2025