New Delhi,
August, 2021
The annual India Art Fair, much awaited for its showcase of modern and contemporary art from South Asia, has announced BMW India as Presenting Partner for its upcoming 13th edition, running from 3 to 6 February 2022 at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi. Now in its fifth consecutive year, the partnership marks a new, year-round collaboration celebrating the region’s artists and dynamic arts scene through a series of dedicated initiatives and commissions.
The partnership focuses on growing India Art Fair’s digital presence and audiences for the arts through new online editorial including BMW ARTIST FILMS, comprising studio visits and interviews; an expanded IAF PARALLEL programme highlighting events and exhibitions by South Asia’s leading galleries, museums and alternate arts spaces; and a BMW ART TALK that will shine a light on an important artist inspiring change today.
With an ongoing ambition to foster a spirit of collaboration and creativity, India Art Fair introduces this year’s ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE programme featuring a strong line-up of talks and live participatory workshops. Artists taking part include Indian photographer, performance and feminist artist Indu Antony (Bangalore); recent Inlaks Fine Art Awardee, textile artist and sculptor Gurjeet Singh (Chandigarh); multidisciplinary artist Arpita Akhanda (Santiniketan) whose works address political concerns for human rights and justice; and mixed media artist Haroun Hayward (London) whose influences include 90s dance music, graffiti, African and South Asian textiles and miniature painting traditions.
India Art Fair will also launch website ARCHIVES of past fair editions and a new NOTICEBOARD, an open listing platform for jobs, grants and residencies for artists and arts professionals from India and South Asia. The initiatives reaffirm India Art Fair’s commitment to supporting arts education and professional development opportunities for young people and adults within India and internationally.
Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair commented, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with BMW India which, now in its fifth year, marks a new chapter for India Art Fair. As we look forward to returning to a physical event in 2022, we are excited to launch this new series of initiatives and year-round programmes. We believe in the power of art to inspire and through these initiatives, seek to champion a more inclusive, creative and sustainable world for artists and art lovers.”
Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India commented, “For over 50 years, various global cultural initiatives have been an integral part of BMW Group’s social sustainability. Taking this commitment forward, BMW India has valued and nurtured cultural engagements and co-operations with leading art platforms in the country. Our resolve to strengthen intercultural platforms of creativity in the fields of art, music, design, and architecture remains undeterred. The world around us is transforming amidst challenging times and art serves as a constant source of creative inspiration and hope. BMW India is delighted to present the latest edition of the India Art Fair in its new avatar for connoisseurs of art and automobiles.”
