The word Sandarbh has its root in the Sanskrit language, which means context. It was founded by renowned artist Chintan Upadhyay in 2003 as an artist’s initiative, and over the years has seen artists from various countries participate including India, UK, USA among others. Its aim is to explore new modes of art practices in the ever-changing cultural, historical, political, economic and environmental scenarios. It also aims to encourage artists to explore various new ideas by providing them with an environment that is in complete contrast to the more traditional museums and gallery systems.

Sandarbh organises residency programmes, site-specific art projects and community-based interactions. It encourages the participation of local communities during these programmes thus making them involved in the current art practices and helping them understand and accept ideas from around the world. In its own way Sandarbh has taken contemporary art practices to places where it would otherwise not have ventured. Apart from these residency programmes and workshops Sandarbh has been actively involved in the cultural development of the rural areas in Rajasthan by setting up a school for underprivileged children especially labour, a theatre group that organises regular workshops and three life style museums. Sandarbh has always sought voluntary participation from local residents and organizations to conduct its activities. It has strived to achieve a balanced give and take between the villagers and the artists during its programmes. Artists from all over the world are free to participate in the activities of Sandarbh.