Shweta Runwal, an architect by training and founder of Tickle Your Art, has turned her daughter Dhriti’s love for drawing into an inclusive social enterprise that creates opportunities for artists with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Formally registered in October 2020, the initiative transforms original artwork into lifestyle products, books and corporate gifts while providing artists with training, mentorship and paid work.
Having worked with more than 25 neurodiverse artists, Tickle Your Art aims to challenge assumptions about disability and demonstrate how creativity can support confidence, recognition and economic independence. Dhriti’s National Award in the Shreshth Divyang Balika category and the venture’s appearance on Shark Tank India, where Anupam Mittal invested, have brought further recognition to its mission. Shweta now hopes to establish similar community spaces across India.
From a Daughter’s Drawing to a Purpose
The beginnings of Tickle Your Art can be traced to a moment when Dhriti, who has Down syndrome, came home with a diary containing a drawing of two stick figures, one of whom was crying. When Shweta asked her what had happened, Dhriti tried to explain through her drawing that a friend was moving away. For Shweta, the moment revealed how art could become a meaningful form of communication. Rather than concentrating on what her daughter might find difficult, she began exploring what Dhriti could express through creativity. Dhriti had been diagnosed with Down syndrome a few days after birth, and doctors later discovered a hole in her heart when she was two months old.
The uncertainty surrounding her development was accompanied by questions about whether she would walk, speak or pursue a career. Shweta’s family, however, encouraged her to treat Dhriti like any other child. Their support, along with Shweta’s experience as an architect and her exposure to art and design while working in London, helped shape her approach. She subsequently volunteered with the Down Syndrome Federation of India and connected with other families, recognising the need for spaces that celebrated ability rather than focusing on limitations.
Building Opportunities Through Art and Employment
In 2018, Shweta organised an exhibition at Kelkar Museum around World Down Syndrome Day, showcasing artwork created by people with Down syndrome. The response encouraged her to develop the initiative further. Tickle Your Art was formally registered in October 2020, during the pandemic, with Dhriti becoming its first artist. Since then, the enterprise has worked with more than 25 neurodiverse artists and has been preparing to bring additional artists into upcoming product launches.
Their original creations are developed into lifestyle products, books and corporate gifts, with an emphasis on preserving each artist’s distinctive style and story. The organisation also operates a community centre where artists can access training, mentorship and employment opportunities, alongside an experience centre where visitors can engage with their work.
Shweta believes artists should be valued for their contributions rather than expected to conform to conventional ideas of what art should look like. This philosophy extends to paid employment. Rohan, a 33-year-old artist with experience in animation and digital design, joined the initiative after his earlier employment ended during the lockdown. His work with Tickle Your Art has helped him reconnect with his interests and rebuild his confidence.
The organisation allows artists to work from home or at its centre, recognising their time and contribution through paid work. Its mission has also received wider recognition through Shark Tank India, where investor Anupam Mittal backed the venture, and through international showcases, including an exhibition in Berlin involving The DO and H&M. Tickle Your Art has also received grant support from Jeet Adani and recognition as an “Industry Disruptor” by UN Women, according to the account provided.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Tickle Your Art reminds us that inclusion means more than acceptance; it requires equal opportunities, creative freedom and economic independence. Shweta Runwal’s initiative challenges stereotypes by supporting artists with intellectual disabilities showcase their talents, earn an income and gain recognition.
Dhriti’s journey highlights how creativity can open doors, while her sister Ira’s involvement shows how empathy begins at home. At The Logical Indian, we believe every individual deserves dignity, respect and opportunities to thrive. True inclusion begins when society celebrates differences rather than treating them as limitations.
What more can families, schools and businesses do to make inclusion a natural part of everyday life?
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