India Art Fair 2025 and its Six new Institutions as Exhibitors
India Art Fair serves as the premier platform for exploring modern and contemporary art in South Asia. The contemporary art exhibition encompasses a venue of 18,000 square meters, and it ranks as the largest event on India’s cultural calendar, featuring groundbreaking and multidisciplinary art exhibits from across the country who highlight some of the region’s most renowned contemporary artists, in addition to select international participants presenting works that have seldom or never been displayed in India.
As part of this modern Indian art movement, India Art Fair also includes institutions representing major Indian and global museums and art foundations that collaborate as exhibitors within the event. This year at the event, six new exciting debutants are participating in the Fair. In this list we get to know a bit more about these institutions
1. Abir India (Ahmedabad)
Abir India, is a non-profit organization based in Ahmedabad and founded in 2016 by natural dye specialist Ruby Jagrut. The institution serves as a symbol of artistic celebration and support. Drawing inspiration from “Abir,” the lively colors associated with Indian festivals, the foundation connects emerging artists with the international art scene. Through various mentorship initiatives, organized exhibitions, esteemed awards, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Abir India creates opportunities for artistic development and acclaim.
Since its founding, Abir India has assisted over 1,000 artists and honored 72 individuals hailing from more than 450 postal codes, contributing to the transformation of budding art careers of emerging contemporary artists and enhancing the art landscape in India and beyond.
2. Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)
The Asian Art Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Asian and Asian American art globally, featuring over 20,000 remarkable pieces of art beyond boundaries. With the opening of the Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion along with the East West Bank Art Terrace, the museum now hosts exhibitions and events on a larger scale than before.
Special spaces for new artworks and programs with contemporary artists link the museum’s historic collection to today’s art scene, while also highlighting the contributions of Asian and Asian American artists to the contemporary art narrative.
The Asian Art Museum honors, protects, and showcases the art and cultures of Asia and Asian Americans for both local and international audiences. They believe in creating an engaging platform for sharing ideas, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring creativity to enhance understanding and compassion among individuals of diverse backgrounds.
3. Kalakriti Archives (Hyderabad)
Kalakriti Archives, established in 2015 by collector Prshant Lahoti in Hyderabad, serves as a remarkable repository of the cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. This private collection of art inspired by Indian heritage, comprises antique maps, photographs, etchings, prints, miniature paintings, rare books, and historical items. Focused on safeguarding and elucidating rare artifacts, the Archives emphasize the intercultural interactions and the development of Indian cities alongside global civilizations. Kalakriti India is an umbrella brand whose mission is to acquire, preserve and promote the art of Indian origin or art that features India as the subject
4. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum (Jaipur)
The City Palace in Jaipur comprises a series of courtyards and was established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as part of his ambitious plan for the city, with his descendants continuing to enhance the beautiful structures until the 20th century. Throughout its history, the palace has served not only as the grand home of a royal family but also as a hub for artistic patronage and learning. The palace has opened its exclusive areas to the public via the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, inviting visitors from both India and abroad to enjoy its offerings.
The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust oversees one of India’s foremost palace museums, which features buildings and collections of considerable national significance, gathered and commissioned over the centuries by the Kachhwaha rulers of Amber and Jaipur.
5. Neotia Arts Trust (Kolkata) x The India Story (Kolkata)
The India Story was established in 2015 as an exposition dedicated to creative arts and design. Over the past decade, it has experienced considerable success, bringing together a diverse group of design thinkers from across India, backed by extensive media attention and a broad audience.
Since its inception, The India Story has developed into a project that is deeply connected to its physical space. It has grown in tandem with its venue, Swabhumi. The natural characteristics of this space have allowed The India Story to evolve into a platform that supports various domains such as arts, fashion, lifestyle, music, performances, and food to thrive within the environment. For India Art Fair 2025, Neotia Arts Trust comes together with The India Story to showcase a range of collections in the exhibition.
6. Royal College of Art (RCA) (London)
India Art Fair comes together with The Royal College of Art for its forthcoming edition scheduled from 6-9 February, 2025. The Royal College of Art is acknowledged as one of the premier art and design institutions globally. Annually, the RCA invites students from around the world into its dynamic community of innovators and artists. As a compact, specialized, and research-oriented postgraduate institution, the RCA consists of four schools: Arts & Humanities, Architecture, Design, and Communication. At the fair, RCA will showcase a newly created hand-stitched textile installation by alum Imon Phukan, who is one of the Artists in Residence for India Art Fair 2025.
Feature Image Credit- Holiday
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