“Keep Walking” – a phrase that resonates deeply, echoing the essence of progress, resilience, and optimism. In a world constantly evolving, the need for belonging and self-belief has never been more pronounced. Today, walking alongside communities while celebrating one’s identity has become an indispensable path to progress. It emerges as a powerful platform dedicated to honouring and enabling individuals who embody the principles of self-belief, identity, and progress. It celebrates those who take the first step, act now, and relish the experience of being a work in progress. Whether contributing to creativity, inclusion, diversity, or sustainability, Walkers & Co. aims to recognize and amplify their stories.
Celebrating bold individuals
Walkers & Co., a platform that celebrates individuals propelled by self-belief and their identity, intertwined with the idea of progress, both personal and societal. These individuals are defined by their journey – the milestones, resilience, fluidity, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. They are not solitary travellers; rather, they collaborate and work with partners, co-conspirators, and ecosystems, taking action now and relishing the experience of being a work in progress. Whether in the realms of creativity, inclusion, diversity, or sustainability, Walkers & Co. recognizes and amplifies their stories.
Showcasing remarkable strides
Enter Walkers & Co OOH campaign, promises to provide a national platform to emerging artists making remarkable strides in the space of inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. Billboards in 10 cities across the country – including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad – showcased the stories of progress, or “Walks,” of Aravani Art Project and Pearl D’Souza, reaching over 4 million people.
Aravani art project and Pearl D’Souza
Aravani Art Project and Pearl D’Souza, the exceptional artists showcased on Walkers & Co.’s billboards, offer unique and compelling perspectives on life, identity, and progress. Aravani Art Project, a pioneering Indian public art collective run by trans and cis women, empowers the transgender community through bold, vibrant murals adorning public spaces. Pearl D’Souza, a gifted illustrator from Goa, India, showcases her dedication to gender inclusivity, equal representation, and mental wellbeing through captivating artwork.
Collaborative creations
Walkers & Co. orchestrated a unique collaboration between Sushant Divgikr, known as Rani KoHeNur, Indian Drag Royalty, and Hanif Kureshi, a renowned contemporary artist. Together, they co-created a mesmerizing installation and live performative art at Jio World Gardens, Mumbai. Reflecting on this collaboration, Rani KoHeNur expressed admiration for the courage and boldness that Walkers & Co. instils in people, while Hanif Kureshi emphasized the platform’s commitment to fresh perspectives and the celebration of progress.
Embracing diversity
Walkers & Co celebrates India’s increasingly diverse and creative culture. Drag performer Suruj Rajkhowa, also known as Glorious Luna, embodies the spirit of a Walker, describing it as someone who is unstoppable and persistent in their beliefs. This platform aims to bring together a community of changemakers who challenge the status quo and inspire future generations. Walkers & Co. seeks to be a catalyst for shaping a more collaborative culture in creative fields by fostering supportive communities that pride themselves on collaboration. Queer activist Nin Kala shares their experience of the importance of collaboration and community, especially in the context of growing up without a sense of belonging. For Nin Kala, community represents family, home, and love, emphasizing the transformative power of collective support and collaboration in personal and professional endeavors.
Global collaboration
Adding to the platform’s vibrancy, American singers John Legend and Raja Kumari performed in India on the Walkers & Co. Tour. This musical extravaganza celebrated group progress through collaboration, co-creation, and community. John Legend, the youngest artist to receive an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscars, and Tony) honour, joins forces with Raja Kumari, an Indian-origin rapper known for her audacious and courageous music to co-curate an inspiring anthem titled ‘Keep Walking. The tour aimed to reignite the spirit of “Keep Walking,” inspiring a group of Walkers driven to promote sustainability and inclusion.
A movement towards progress
But Walkers & Co. is more than just a platform—it’s a movement. It’s about consciously creating and nurturing communities, looking out for others as much as oneself. For individuals like Nin Kala and Glorious Luna, founders of Current Management, representing exclusively queer talent in arts and fashion, helping their community is not just a choice but a responsibility. Their journey reflects the essence of being a Walker—someone who forges ahead, unyielding in the face of adversity, and driven by a sense of purpose.
As the world continues to evolve, Walkers & Co. stands as a beacon of hope, championing the journey towards progress and celebrating the diversity of human experience. With each step forward, the platform reinforces the belief that together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable world – one step at a time. Walk with purpose, walk with others, and keep walking towards progress.
