.BERRYBEAT.

India’s creative institutions tell a story that many accept without question: the struggling artist, a visionary working in noble poverty, whose genius cannot be measured by wages. This narrative shapes the experience of thousands of students in art schools and design colleges across the country. Institutions like NIFT and NID charge steep fees—NIFT students pay over ₹14 lakh for a four-year B.Des degree—yet the creative work produced during these years often goes uncompensat

On May 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the rise of India’s "Orange Economy" at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai. This economy, built on content, creativity, and culture, is a powerful force. Valued at $35 billion and employing nearly 8% of India’s workforce, the creative industry is a major contributor to the nation’s growth. The government’s pledge of a $1 billion fund to support this sector sparked excitement and hope.