Third Culture Kid's Journey to Punjab

As an artist and third culture kid, I, Rani Cheema, am on a profound journey of self-discovery and cultural reclamation. My soul and Punjabi heritage are converging at this pivotal moment. My path has led me through diverse landscapes – from design academia to spiritual awakening and channeled art.

Baby Rani and dad in Agra, India 1984

For too long, my Punjabi heritage was a distant echo, overshadowed by modernity, assimilation pressures, and my Puerto Rican family roots. Now, standing on the threshold of a transformative experience, I am inspired by the resilience of my ancestors, the artisans and craftsmen of Punjab.

I have been given an incredible opportunity to attend an artists' residency in Punjab with Cocoa & Jasmine However, I urgently need your support to make this dream a reality. I need to raise $6500 by September 20th, 2024, to secure my place. UPDATE! I GOT AN EXTENSION!

Stretch goals - $1500 + for flights or a sponsored flight from Delta would be great manifesting that ;)

I was playing music on this video, will update soon.

I visited Punjab was in 2009 with my dad. It was a journey to see the land where he grew up – a rare experience for children of immigrants. I stayed at my grandmother's farm for two weeks. Despite the language barrier – she didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak Punjabi – I felt her love and excitement to finally meet me, her eldest son’s first child.

My dad is about to sell the land, making this residency one of my last connections to Punjab. After the residency, I hope to visit the farm one last time before it is sold.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Donate

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to my goal. Your support will enable me to reconnect with my heritage, honor my ancestors, and further my artistic journey.

Please share, you can find me on Instagram @cheemastravel, well... I'm Cheema's Travel everywhere!

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping me reconnect with my heritage. Your generosity means the world to me.

You may read the rest of my artist's statement, but please donate before clicking off

My Artist's Statement

Not so baby Rani and dad 2009