The first thing you wonder about Courtyard Koota is how far it is from the centre of Bengaluru. The community art and culture space in Kengeri, a quiet suburb along Mysore Road, is at least a 40-minute drive from the Central Railway Station. Several art and culture centres like Ranga Shankara, Chitra Kala Parishad, and Chowdiah Memorial Hall are already near the city centre. So, why would someone drive all the way to Kengeri?
This question didn’t escape Natasha Iype’s mind when she was setting up Courtyard Koota in 2018. “The idea behind this initiative is to create a space where people, especially in and around Kengeri, can engage with cultural activities, particularly theatre and arts, without having to travel all the way to the city. Often, people end up opting for easier options like going to the nearby mall or watching a movie instead of exploring the cultural offerings available,” she says.
Five years ago, she quit being an architect for Good Earth real estate and wanted to set up a community art space. “I had turned 50. It was the second phase of my life. I had no business plan. But I wanted to do it. I was willing to take risks. I just jumped into it with blind faith,” she laughs.
