The Serendipity Arts Festival has announced its 11th edition, scheduled to take place from December 13 to 20, 2026, in Panjim, Goa. Known as South Asia’s largest interdisciplinary arts platform, the Festival will continue its curator-led model, bringing together practitioners across disciplines to shape a research-driven and collaborative programme.
A Curator-Led Framework
At the centre of the Festival is its curatorial structure, which treats artistic disciplines as interconnected rather than separate. Each curator is invited to develop ideas, initiate dialogue, and create intersections across forms such as visual arts, music, craft, dance, theatre, and culinary practices. This approach reflects the Festival’s emphasis on evolving artistic conversations and critical engagement.
| Category | Curators |
| Visual Arts | Latika Gupta, Sheba Chhachhi |
| Craft | Kshitij Jalori, Sudheer Rajbhar |
| Culinary Arts | Anisha Rachel Oommen |
| Music | Aruna Sairam, Ankur Tiwari |
| Dance | Ashley Lobo, Surjit Nongmeikapam |
| Theatre | Mahesh Dattani, Anuradha Kapur |
| Accessibility | Salil Chatturvedi |
| Special Projects | Sreyansi Singh, Padmini Chettur |
Vision for the 11th Edition
Founder-Patron Sunil Kant Munjal noted that the Festival’s next phase aims to deepen how art is experienced and understood. The 2026 edition seeks to move beyond presentation toward inquiry-led programming shaped by curators who bring both expertise and experimentation.
Visual Arts and Craft Curators
The Visual Arts programme will be led by Latika Gupta and Sheba Chhachhi, whose work spans art history, pedagogy, and lens-based practice.
In Craft, Kshitij Jalori and Sudheer Rajbhar will explore intersections between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design innovation.
Culinary Arts and Music Direction
The Culinary Arts section will be curated by Anisha Rachel Oommen, who examines food as a cultural and storytelling medium.
Music programming will be shaped by Aruna Sairam and Ankur Tiwari, bringing together classical traditions and contemporary sound practices.
Highlights of Programme Areas
- Visual arts rooted in historical and political inquiry
- Craft practices bridging tradition and design innovation
- Culinary narratives focusing on regional food cultures
- Music spanning classical and contemporary forms
Dance and Theatre Programming
Dance will be curated by Ashley Lobo and Surjit Nongmeikapam, exploring the body as a site of both discipline and experimentation.
The Theatre programme will be led by Mahesh Dattani and Anuradha Kapur, focusing on performance as a space for critical and social engagement.
Accessibility and Special Projects
Accessibility remains a central focus, curated by Salil Chatturvedi, ensuring inclusive participation across the Festival.
Special Projects, curated by Sreyansi Singh and Padmini Chettur, will connect disciplines through experimental formats and cross-disciplinary work.
About the Festival and Organiser
Organised by Serendipity Arts Foundation, the Festival is held annually in Panjim with free public access. It spans over 300,000 square feet of venues, presenting exhibitions, performances, workshops, and interactive experiences across disciplines.
The Foundation supports artistic practice through grants, residencies, and research initiatives, with a focus on building long-term cultural ecosystems in South Asia.
Key Festival Features
- Free public access across venues
- Interdisciplinary programming
- Workshops, performances, and exhibitions
- Focus on accessibility and inclusivity
Event at a Glance
| Event Name | Serendipity Arts Festival 2026 |
| Venue | Multiple venues across Panjim, Goa |
| City | Panjim, Goa |
| Opening Date | December 13, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | December 13–20, 2026 |
| Organiser | Serendipity Arts Foundation |
| Entry / Tickets | Free public access |
Takeaway
As it enters its second decade, the Serendipity Arts Festival continues to position itself as a platform for critical engagement and interdisciplinary exchange. The 2026 edition emphasises curatorial depth and collaboration, offering audiences an opportunity to experience art as an evolving conversation that connects disciplines, communities, and cultural narratives.
