The bustling city of Hyderabad is set to witness an artistic extravaganza as the esteemed India Art Festival (IAF) makes its debut, inaugurating a three-day multi-sensory art festival that promises to celebrate art and artists across various mediums. Art aficionados will have the opportunity to explore an impressive 85 stalls exhibiting around 3,500 artworks, which include paintings, sculptures, and installations by a mix of 290 seasoned and emerging artists from across the nation. This cultural treat will also feature live music performances, engaging live art sessions, and even a film screening to enrich the overall experience.
Having firmly established its presence in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru over the past 14 years since its inception in 2011, the India Art Festival is now expanding its horizons to touch the art-loving souls of Hyderabad. The mastermind behind this grand initiative, Rajendra Patil, emphasized that Hyderabad was a logical choice based on their extensive market analysis. “Hyderabad is poised for a mega art fair like this. The city bustles with almost 11,000 corporates, consisting of small and mid-level employees in various sectors who aspire to adorn their living spaces with inspiring art,” Patil noted.
Looking back, the journey of the India Art Festival started in 2010 when Rajendra announced it solely for ‘top galleries,’ without delving into mid-level galleries or independent artists. Explaining the evolution, he said, “A significant number of independent artists from rural and semi-urban areas in India rely on public/democratic platforms to showcase their works because it is often difficult for them to break into the established gallery system.” This realization led to the conceptualization of a more inclusive and diverse festival model after thorough research into art fair systems around the world.
The framework of the IAF takes inspiration from the Art Expo model, an art fair concept that has successfully thrived in New York for over 45 years. “The appeal of the New York model lies in its democratic nature, giving a platform to both independent artists and established art galleries,” Patil explained. He further added, “Most traditional art fairs either cater exclusively to galleries or to artists.
. The mixed model benefits everyone, providing art lovers the chance to view masterpieces alongside the latest emerging trends under one roof.”
Rajendra Patil, who also serves as an art writer and the president of the Bombay Art Society, spoke about the challenges that new art graduates face. “Art galleries often select artists based on the commercial potential of their works, giving established artists an edge. However, students fresh out of art colleges struggle to find a foothold in the art market. Our festival aims to democratize art buying and selling, creating an accessible space for all,” he stated.
In its maiden Hyderabad edition, 60 of the participating artists are local talents. Alongside them, galleries from metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and the internationally renowned Gnani Arts from Singapore, which has been part of the festival since its start in 2011, will also set up stalls. Rajendra expressed pride in the festival’s pan-India presence, highlighting its reputation among city art collectors, buyers, architects, and interior designers for its broad appeal and affordability.
Art enthusiasts in Hyderabad can mark their calendars for this grand celebration of creativity at the Kings Kohinoor (Crown) Convention in Rethibowli, from June 7 to 9. The festival will be open from 11 am to 8 pm each day, with tickets priced at ₹300.
This landmark cultural event stands as a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving art scene in India, offering a unique platform for both seasoned and burgeoning artists to share their work with a diverse audience. As Hyderabad gears up to host the India Art Festival for the first time, the anticipation is palpable, with the city’s art community and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the opportunity to immerse themselves in this kaleidoscope of creativity.
