Introduction

India’s illustrious Jindal family, renowned for their significant contributions to culture and arts, is set to inaugurate Hampi Art Labs, a contemporary art centre in southern India. Backed by the JSW Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Mumbai-based JSW Group, this initiative marks a significant addition to the country’s cultural landscape.

A Glimpse of Hampi

Scheduled to open its doors in February 2024, Hampi Art Labs will be situated near Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance as the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The site, adorned with over 1,000 monuments, stands as an evidence to the empire’s prosperity and size during the 14th to early 17th century.

The Vision Behind Hampi Art Labs

Spread across an expansive 18 acres, Hampi Art Labs aims to be more than just an art center. It will house exhibition venues, studios, and a new artist residency program, creating a dynamic space for artistic exploration and collaboration. The undisclosed budget for this project reflects the commitment of the JSW Group to fostering the arts.

Unique Proximity to JSW Plant

The strategic location of Hampi Art Labs in the town of Vijayanagara, where the JSW Group operates India’s largest steel plant, offers a distinctive advantage. Sangita Jindal, chairperson of JSW Foundation, highlights the unparalleled possibilities that arise from the proximity of the steel plant to the ancient heritage site of Hampi. The artist residents will have the opportunity to access the steel plant’s facilities, enabling them to work on a large scale with specialised equipment.

Cultural Stewardship: The Jindal Legacy

The Jindal family’s commitment to cultural initiatives in the region is not new. In 2012, JSW opened Kaladham, a ten-acre campus in Vijayanagar featuring a museum dedicated to the heritage of Hampi and performance venues. Sangita Jindal’s collaboration with the Global Heritage Fund for the restoration of temple sites in Hampi further underscores the family’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

The Artistic Lineage

The Jindals are well-known patrons of the arts in India, with Sangita Jindal serving as the publisher of Art India, a quarterly magazine covering the country’s art world. The family’s extensive collection, focusing on Modern and contemporary South Asian art, will take centre stage in Hampi Art Labs’ inaugural exhibition, featuring works by artists such as Bharti Kher, Andy Warhol, Lubna Chowdhary, and Ai Weiwei.

Future Prospects

Designed by architect Sameep Padora and his studio sP+a, Hampi Art Labs is poised to become a vibrant hub for artistic expression. The residency program’s first cohort includes Bhasha Chakrabarti, Sharbendu De, Madhavi Gore, Promiti Hossain, and Anirudh Singh Shaktawat. The center’s future promises a rich tradition of exhibitions, comprising new commissioned works and loans, adding another chapter to the Jindal family’s legacy in supporting the arts in India.

Feature Image: Exterior shot of Hampi Art Labs | Courtesy : JSW Foundation

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