Once a forgotten, narrow staircase, The Steps Bandra has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a vibrant public space. It is also a symbol of successful urban regeneration in the heart of Mumbai’s Bandra district. This initiative is spearheaded by the Bombay Greenway in collaboration with the local municipal body (BMC). The transformation of the site has restored utility and also instilled a dose of colour, creativity, and community spirit. Now, this iconic public space is opening its doors once again to artists with an exciting Call for Mural Proposals, inviting creators to become part of its ever-evolving story. With the submission deadline extended to December 8, 2025, at 12 noon, and painting scheduled between December 10–15, 2025, this initiative promises to further deepen the relationship between art, people, and place.
Reimagining Public Space Through Art
The site was once derelict and unsafe. But now the spot has undergone a massive transformation. The place has gotten a staircase, an amphitheatre, performance value, a leisure zone, and a cultural meeting point. The spot also caters to musicians generously, as the landings now serve as informal stages where musicians rehearse, children play, people unwind their hectic schedules, and encounter a pulse of artistic aesthetics in their neighbourhood. The recognition of The Steps Bandra as the Place Design Winner at the prestigious international Great Places Awards in 2021 further cemented its status as a global model for placemaking.
Urban design experts across India and abroad have since cited the project as an example of how small-scale architectural interventions can lead to large-scale community impact. Unlike many purely aesthetic-driven reconstruction projects, the steps focus on social life, accessibility, safety, and community ownership. The side walls of The Steps will serve as large public canvases, disseminating tales of community, identity, belonging, and movement.
A Call to Creativity
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The opening of opportunities with a call for Mural proposals is directly protracted at community engagement and celebrating the local artistry. This initiative aims to utilize the blank spaces in the side walls of The Steps Bandra and embody the “creativity and the colour of the place.” These murals are to be drawn with the intention of weaving a more intimate connection between locals, artists, and visitors. The rudimentary intention is to make the place bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a truly collaborative work of art. The art, once completed, will serve as a permanent, public exhibition of Bandra’s cultural pulse.
The process of submission is hassle-free. The platform directly pitches an invitation to the artists to share their vision for this iconic landmark. This kind of public art commissioning not only beautifies the area but also provides a platform for emerging and established artists. The tight timeline for painting, scheduled for December 10–15, 2025, ensures that the new artistic chapter will be unveiled rapidly. The organizers have committed to providing all paints and materials, removing financial barriers, and making the opportunity accessible to a broader range of artists.
Crucial Details
| Important Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Celebrate creativity, community, and public connection |
| Submission Deadline | December 8, 2025, 12 noon |
| Contact Method | Selected artists notified via phone or email |
| Painting Dates | Must be available December 10–15, 2025 |
| Materials | All paints and materials provided by the organisers |
| Project Recognition | 2021 Place Design Winner at Great Places Awards |
| Space Function | Amphitheatre, open-air stage, community gathering spot |
Why The Steps Matter
Today, Indian metropolises struggle for inclusive public spaces with rising real estate pressures and shrinking open areas. Projects like this bring significant alternatives to this and challenge the norms of infrastructural development. The small public places, like stairways, street corners, and sidewalks, find repeated mentions in the words of urban scholars and planners, as they shape the “daily experience” of urban life. Residents report increased pedestrian activity, greater feelings of safety due to constant footfall, and renewed cultural life through informal performances and gatherings.
Public murals across Mumbai, from Bandra’s street art lanes to Versova’s fishing villages, have consistently shown how art can democratise urban aesthetics. The Steps’ murals will continue this tradition, embedding artistic expression into the routines of school children, office-goers, elderly walkers, and tourists alike.
Key Highlights
- Open call inviting artists to become part of a landmark public project
- Opportunity to create large-scale murals in a high-footfall community space
- All paints and materials to be provided by organisers
- Guaranteed public visibility in one of Bandra’s most culturally active zones
- Continued legacy of a globally recognised urban design project
- Strong emphasis on community, inclusivity, and public engagement
- Direct participation in an ongoing story of urban regeneration
The Model of Transformation
The model adopted by them is collaborative and aligns with emerging global philosophies of placemaking, where people, not just viewers, but contributors as well. The extended deadline for submissions reflects the organisers’ intention to ensure wider participation and diverse artistic voices. By providing all painting materials, the initiative also removes financial barriers for artists, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. With Christmas and New Year knocking at the doorstep, this initiative ensures that the space is charmed with people’s stories and turns into a jolly place to be.
A Blueprint that Mumbai Must Replicate
The best part of this opportunity is that it is not competitive but cooperative. It’s a reaffirmation of Mumbai’s potential to nurture human-centred urban design. The decision to use public art as the next phase of regeneration is an inspired choice. It acts as a catalyst for dialogue and a source of local pride. By inviting local artists to leave their mark, the organizers are not just decorating walls; they are embedding the soul of Bandra into the very fabric of The Steps. This initiative proves that meaningful urban regeneration does not require massive budgets or grand monuments.
This project highlights the fact that urban renewal is not just about building skyscrapers on concrete and steel, but is more about community participation and shared experiences. The new murals, undoubtedly, will only further amplify the area’s vibrant reputation and inspire similar acts of creative placemaking across the city. In many ways, The Steps Bandra should now serve as a replicable model for neighbourhood-scale interventions across India’s cities.
