As Mumbai gears up for the 12th edition of the Mumbai Gallery Weekend (MGW), the city’s status as a thriving art hub is unmistakable. With over 10,000 active construction sites and a burgeoning art market, Mumbai has firmly established itself as a dominant force in India’s art trade. The latest edition of MGW, featuring 34 participants, reflects the city’s position at the forefront of the country’s art scene.
Construction Boom Fuels Art Market Growth
Under the headline “Mumbai is loading,” signboards surround the 10,000-plus active construction sites across the financial capital. The construction boom is not just reshaping the city’s skyline but is also playing a pivotal role in driving the art market. According to Shireen Gandhy, director of Chemould Prescott Road, the city’s oldest commercial gallery, the real estate frenzy is creating a demand to fill empty apartments, benefiting the art market.
New Additions to Mumbai’s Art Scene
The past year has witnessed significant additions to Mumbai’s art scene. The inaugural edition of Art Mumbai, the city’s first art fair, took place in November, providing a platform for artists and galleries. Additionally, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a new kunsthalle, has opened its doors, drawing attention with its celebrity-studded openings.
Mumbai Gallery Association: Professionalization and Collaboration
A key factor contributing to Mumbai’s burgeoning art scene is the increased professionalisation and collaboration among established dealers. The formation of the Mumbai Gallery Association, which encompasses MGW and Art Night Thursday gallery hops, reflects a concerted effort to consolidate the city’s position as a serious entity in the art world. The collaborative spirit among dealers is drawing art enthusiasts and professionals to Mumbai.
Younger Galleries Making Their Mark
The Mumbai Gallery Weekend is not just about established players; younger galleries are making their mark. XXL, focusing on urban and post-graffiti art, is opening its first permanent space in Colaba, offering accessible price points. Akara Contemporary, a new venture from the 20th-century art gallery Akara Modern, is debuting at MGW with a show of beeswax and resin paintings, showcasing the seasoned market of Mumbai.
Influx of Galleries and Diversification of Collections
Even galleries not originally based in Mumbai are joining the MGW. Vidya Heydari, from Pune, sees the vibrant art community in Mumbai as an opportunity to connect. The density of Mumbai’s art audience is evident, with galleries like Ske making a presence in the city during this market moment.
Mumbai’s Art Market Flourishes Amidst Construction and Collaboration
As Mumbai Gallery Weekend unfolds, it becomes clear that the city has not just arrived but is thriving as a central hub for India’s art trade. The convergence of construction-driven demand, collaborative efforts among galleries, and the addition of new spaces and events signal a promising future for Mumbai’s art scene.
