The 18th edition of the Habitat Film Festival (HFF) will take place at the India Habitat Centre, presenting a wide-ranging selection of Indian cinema. The festival brings together classics, contemporary independent films, and documentary works, alongside conversations with filmmakers and curated retrospectives.

A Platform for Diverse Cinematic Voices

The festival focuses on showcasing critically acclaimed Indian films from 2025–2026, highlighting both established and emerging filmmakers. Contemporary titles such as Moham, Baksho Bondi, Vanya, Maliput Melodies, and The Elysian Field reflect the diversity of storytelling across regions and languages.

Retrospectives and Tributes

A key highlight of this year’s edition is a retrospective dedicated to Ritwik Ghatak, known for his influential contribution to parallel cinema. The programme also includes screenings such as Umrao Jaan as a remembrance of Asha Bhosle, and Chupke Chupke in honour of Dharmendra and Asrani.

Documentary and Short Film Showcases

 

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The festival features curated packages from prominent organisations including the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association and the Film Critics Guild. Additionally, award-winning documentaries from Public Service Broadcasting Trust will be screened, offering insights into everyday life and intimate narratives.

Program Highlights

Key elements of the festival include:

• Retrospective screenings and tribute films
• Contemporary independent feature films
• Short film packages from industry bodies
• Award-winning documentary screenings

Beyond Screenings: Conversations and Events

In addition to film screenings, the festival will host:

• Filmmaker interactions and discussions
• A dedicated workshop
• A book discussion session
• An exhibition connected to cinema and storytelling

These events aim to deepen audience engagement and provide context to the films presented.

Venue and Visitor Information

The festival will be hosted at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, a prominent cultural venue known for hosting film, art, and literary events. Details regarding the schedule and registration are yet to be announced, with organisers encouraging audiences to stay tuned for updates.

Continuing a Legacy of Film Appreciation

Over the years, the Habitat Film Festival has established itself as a significant platform for Indian cinema, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences. Its programming continues to reflect both historical depth and contemporary relevance in the evolving cinematic landscape.

Takeaway

The 18th Habitat Film Festival presents a thoughtful blend of past and present in Indian cinema. By combining retrospectives, independent films, and documentary storytelling, it offers audiences an opportunity to engage with diverse narratives and artistic voices. The festival continues to contribute to the cultural dialogue around cinema, fostering appreciation and critical engagement within the community.

An upcoming edition of the Affordable Art Show in Gurgaon will feature a conversation between Srila Chatterjee and Swapan Seth. Titled “How to Build an Art Collection You Love,” the session will take place at Museo Camera Centre for the Photographic Arts as part of the four-day exhibition running from 7th to 10th May, between 11 am and 7 pm.

A Conversation on Collecting Art

Scheduled for Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM, the talk will focus on making art collection more accessible and personal. The session is open to all and will offer a candid discussion on navigating the art world beyond conventional approaches.

Moving Beyond Market Trends

The speakers will draw from their experience in design and advertising to explore alternative ways of engaging with art. The conversation aims to shift attention away from market-driven trends and toward building a meaningful relationship with artworks.

Practical Insights for New Collectors

Attendees can expect insights into discovering emerging artists, trusting individual taste, and developing confidence in collecting.

Key discussion points include:

• How to identify art that resonates personally
• Tips for discovering new and emerging artists
• Understanding value beyond price and trends
• Building a collection over time

The Affordable Art Show

The Affordable Art Show itself presents a curated display of artworks spanning traditional and contemporary practices. Visitors will encounter a wide range of Indian art forms alongside modern expressions.

Highlights of the exhibition:

• Traditional styles such as Pichwai and Pattachitra
• Contemporary paintings and mixed media works
• Works by established artists including Jogen Chowdhury
• Emerging artists and new voices
• Artworks priced from ₹3,000

About the Organiser

The event is presented by Baro Art, an initiative of Baro Market founded by Srila Chatterjee. The platform focuses on presenting accessible art and craft, aiming to connect artists with wider audiences through fair pricing and curated showcases.

Visitor Information

Conclusion

The Affordable Art Show in Gurgaon brings together a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian art with an emphasis on accessibility. The featured conversation adds a reflective dimension, encouraging audiences to approach art collecting with personal engagement rather than market influence. Events like this contribute to making art more inclusive and approachable for a broader public.

A new exhibition titled The First Layer: HōmAnAn x Understorey will take place from 9th to 10th May 2026 in New Delhi, with a preview on 8th May. Organised by HōmAnAn and Understorey, the two-day showcase focuses on how interior spaces begin through textures, surfaces, and material choices rather than finished structures.

Concept Behind the Exhibition

The exhibition explores the idea that a home starts with foundational layers such as textiles and surfaces. Rather than presenting interiors as complete compositions, The First Layer examines how materials shape the experience of space over time. The showcase is set within a living showhouse instead of a traditional gallery format, offering visitors an immersive environment.

Curatorial Vision

Curated by Rahul Kapoor, co-founder of Understorey, and Anubha Aneja, founder of HōmAnAn, the exhibition brings together design perspectives rooted in craftsmanship and spatial storytelling. Kapoor’s work with textiles and Aneja’s approach to interiors combine to create a layered viewing experience that unfolds across different rooms.

Focus on Craft and Materials

At the centre of the exhibition are one-of-a-kind rugs created using repurposed dyed yarn sourced from active looms. These materials retain traces of previous processes, resulting in variations in colour and texture. Each piece is shaped through an open-ended method, making every rug distinct.

Alongside these works, Understorey will present its signature handcrafted rugs produced by master weavers in Jaipur. The atelier traces its legacy back to 1916 and continues to emphasise traditional techniques combined with contemporary design approaches.

Highlights of the Exhibition

• One-of-a-kind rugs made from repurposed dyed yarn
• Handcrafted rugs by master weavers in Jaipur
• Use of sustainable materials and evolving textures
• Integration of rugs within a living interior space

Exhibition Design and Experience

The exhibition unfolds gradually within HōmAnAn’s showhouse in GK, New Delhi. Visitors move through different spaces where rugs appear in varied contexts, allowing for changing perspectives based on movement and proximity. This approach highlights how objects interact within a lived environment rather than as isolated pieces.

Sustainability and Design Approach

Working with existing yarn allows for a more resource-conscious method of production. The rugs reinterpret traditional motifs through repetition and variation, balancing aesthetic clarity with adaptability. This approach positions the pieces as both functional elements and artistic expressions within interiors.

About the Organisers

HōmAnAn is known for its immersive interior concepts that emphasise spatial relationships and lived experiences.
Understorey operates as a bespoke rug atelier, focusing on handcrafted textiles and material-led design rooted in traditional weaving practices.

For more details, visit the official exhibition page: The First Layer Exhibition

Visitor Information

Conclusion

The First Layer presents an exploration of how interiors evolve through material choices and craftsmanship. By focusing on the relationship between textiles and space, the exhibition offers insight into sustainable practices and the role of design in shaping everyday environments. It reflects a broader dialogue on how homes are formed through layers of material, history, and human interaction.

An exhibition titled Rising Lines brings together a curated group of emerging artists at ReachOut Art Gallery. Opening on 3rd May 2026, the show presents artists at different stages of life who are united by a shared moment in their creative journey. The exhibition will remain on view until 14th June 2026.

A Platform for Emerging Voices

Rising Lines focuses on artists whose practices are still evolving. Rather than presenting finished or definitive bodies of work, the exhibition highlights artistic processes that are in motion. These are practitioners experimenting with form, material, and ideas as they continue to shape their visual language.

Curatorial Approach

The exhibition adopts a curatorial approach that emphasises growth and transition. By bringing together artists at similar stages of development, the show creates a dialogue around learning, risk-taking, and discovery within contemporary art practices.

Focus of ReachOut Art Gallery

The organising gallery, ReachOut Art Gallery, positions itself as a space dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. Its programming often centres on artists whose work reflects experimentation and transformation, rather than established or static practices.

 

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Exhibition Highlights

Visitors can expect a diverse range of works that reflect individual journeys and artistic explorations:

• Works that demonstrate evolving artistic techniques
• Explorations of contemporary themes and materials
• Personal narratives expressed through visual forms
• Early-stage experimentation across mediums

Visitor Information

The exhibition is open to the public with accessible visiting hours:

Nashik’s Growing Art Scene

Located in Nashik, the gallery contributes to a steadily growing cultural landscape. The city has seen increasing engagement with contemporary art through independent spaces and artist-led initiatives, positioning it as an emerging hub for artistic exchange.

Engaging with Artistic Journeys

Rather than presenting a singular theme, Rising Lines invites audiences to witness multiple trajectories unfolding simultaneously. The exhibition encourages viewers to engage with art not as a finished product but as a continuous process of becoming.

Takeaway

Rising Lines reflects a broader shift in contemporary art towards valuing process over completion. By focusing on emerging artists and their evolving practices, the exhibition offers insight into the future directions of Indian contemporary art. It provides both artists and audiences with a space for dialogue, experimentation, and shared growth within the cultural landscape.

A solo exhibition titled Stories the Soil Remembers by Delhi-based artist Jyoti Tyagi will be held from 8 May to 14 May 2026 at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi. Curated by Prayag Shukla, the exhibition brings together works that engage with themes of nature, memory, and ecological sensitivity.

Exhibition Overview

The exhibition presents a series of works created using charcoal, acrylic, and mixed media on paper and canvas. Through these materials, Jyoti Tyagi explores layered narratives that reflect both personal and collective experiences. The works invite viewers to consider the relationship between the natural environment and human intervention.

Themes of Nature and Ecology

Recurring visual elements such as trees, birds, and landscapes appear throughout the exhibition. These motifs are used to reflect on the interdependence between humans and nature. The works also raise questions about ecological responsibility and the impact of urban expansion on natural spaces.

Artistic Practice and Technique

Tyagi’s practice combines charcoal and soft pastels for spontaneous mark-making with acrylic layers that add depth and texture. She often scratches into the painted surface, creating marks that resemble etching. This process introduces a sense of time and transformation within her compositions, suggesting both construction and erosion.

Concept Behind the Exhibition

The body of work stems from a central question: what does the ground retain as cities continue to expand? Rather than offering direct answers, the exhibition encourages reflection on what remains unseen beneath urban development. Birds and fragmented landscapes in her works act as subtle indicators of displacement and resilience.

Artist Background

Jyoti Tyagi, originally from western Uttar Pradesh and now based in Ghaziabad, has developed her artistic practice over several years. She began painting regularly around 2008 and later pursued a Diploma in Fine Arts after a long pause in her creative journey. Her work has been shown at institutions including Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, and in exhibitions across Varanasi, Amritsar, and Lucknow.

Curatorial Context

The exhibition is curated by Prayag Shukla, a poet and art critic known for his engagement with contemporary Indian art. His curatorial approach situates Tyagi’s work within broader discussions on environmental awareness and the role of memory in shaping visual narratives.

Highlights of the Exhibition

• Works created using charcoal, acrylic, and mixed media
• Exploration of ecological concerns and urban transformation
• Recurring motifs such as birds, trees, and layered landscapes
• Textural surfaces with etched and scratched details

Visitor Information

Stories the Soil Remembers will be open to the public from 8 May to 14 May 2026 at Shridharani Gallery, located within Triveni Kala Sangam on Tansen Marg, New Delhi. Visitors can view the exhibition during gallery hours.

Takeaway

 

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Stories the Soil Remembers presents a contemplative body of work that reflects on the changing relationship between people and their environment. Through subtle imagery and layered techniques, Jyoti Tyagi invites viewers to engage with questions of memory, ecology, and coexistence. The exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations about urbanisation and the need for environmental awareness within contemporary society.

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. 

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

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.

A Summer Showcase of Art and Design

From 15th to 17th May, the Alliance Française de Delhi will host a curated lifestyle showcase celebrating Indian art. Curated by Srila Chatterjee, the event brings together art, design, and community in a setting designed as a cultural retreat. Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, the showcase invites visitors to experience art in an accessible and engaging format.

A Cultural Fusion at a French Institution

The Alliance Française, known for promoting French language and culture in India, has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for cross-cultural exchange. By hosting this exhibition, the institution reinforces its engagement with Indian artistic traditions, presenting them within an international cultural framework.

Curatorial Vision by Srila Chatterjee

Srila Chatterjee, founder of Baro Market, curates the showcase with an emphasis on accessibility. Her approach focuses on breaking barriers around art consumption, encouraging both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers to engage with artworks in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Diverse Artistic Traditions on Display

The exhibition spans multiple regions and traditions, bringing together works from across India. Visitors can encounter a wide range of artistic practices, including:

• Thangka paintings from Himalayan regions
• Pichwai art from Rajasthan
• Pattachitra from Bengal and Odisha
• Gond art from Central India
• Ajrakh textile traditions from Gujarat
• Sohrai mural-inspired works

These are presented alongside contemporary canvases, watercolours, and limited-edition prints.

Featured Artists and Contemporary Voices

The showcase includes works by established artists such as Venkat Raman Singh Shyam and Jogen Chowdhury, alongside emerging contemporary practitioners. This blend of folk masters and modern voices reflects the evolving landscape of Indian art.

Making Art Accessible

A central theme of the exhibition is affordability and inclusivity. The works are original and certified, yet priced to encourage wider participation. The curatorial approach aims to make art approachable for individuals looking to begin their collecting journey or enhance their living spaces.

About Baro Art Initiative

Baro Art, an extension of Baro Market, continues its mission to democratise art. Originating from the Baro store in Mumbai, the initiative collaborates with artists, craftsmen, and designers across India. It prioritises equitable engagement with creators while making art accessible to a broader audience.

Visitor Information

Highlights of the Exhibition

• Multi-regional representation of Indian art traditions
• Affordable and original artworks
• Blend of folk and contemporary practices
• Curated lifestyle and design elements
• Opportunity to meet and discover diverse artists

Takeaway

This showcase at Alliance Française de Delhi presents a thoughtful intersection of tradition, contemporary practice, and accessibility. By bringing together diverse artistic voices under one roof, it reflects a broader shift towards inclusive art engagement. The event offers visitors not just an exhibition, but a space to experience how art can meaningfully integrate into everyday life.

An exhibition titled Through the Artist’s Eye: A Century of Sight and Service at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital opened in New Delhi on April 28, 2026. The show presents the work of British artist Stuart Robertson, developed during an 18-month residency at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital. It is on view at Bikaner House Centre for Contemporary Art until May 3, 2026. 

A Residency Rooted in Care

The exhibition emerges from Robertson’s extended engagement within the hospital environment, where he worked alongside medical staff, patients, and the surrounding communities of Daryaganj and Old Delhi. What began as a donation evolved into an immersive residency, allowing the artist to observe and participate in the daily rhythms of a functioning charitable institution. 

Curatorial Framework and Concept

Curated by Ashish Sahoo and Zaarya Chaudhari, the exhibition explores the relationship between art and healthcare. The curatorial approach situates the hospital not as an isolated medical site but as part of a broader social and urban ecosystem. It also raises questions about perception, observation, and the ethics of representation. 

Artistic Approach and Mediums

The exhibition brings together multiple forms of artistic practice, reflecting Robertson’s interdisciplinary approach:

• Monochromatic photography documenting clinical and human interactions
• Drawings created within surgical and recovery spaces
• Bronze sculptures focusing on human presence
• Cyanotypes developed using sunlight, connecting light and vision

These works collectively present a layered narrative of care, labour, and human connection within the hospital. 

Extending Beyond the Hospital

Robertson’s work extends into the surrounding neighbourhoods of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, highlighting the interconnection between the hospital and its urban context. The exhibition also includes references to his ongoing blog, Art of Sevā, which features reflections from medical practitioners and contributors, expanding the project beyond the gallery space. 

Institutional Background and Support

Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital has served communities in Delhi for over a century, focusing on accessible eye care through a model rooted in service and innovation. The exhibition is supported by the Eicher Group Foundation, which has worked with the hospital since 1996 as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. 

Exhibition Highlights

Key aspects of the exhibition include:

• A rare artist residency within a working hospital setting
• Focus on the human and social dimensions of healthcare
• Integration of art with medical and community narratives
• Exploration of vision as both a physical and conceptual experience

Visitor Information

The exhibition is open to the public at Bikaner House Centre for Contemporary Art from April 28 to May 3, 2026. Entry details have not been specified, and visitors are encouraged to check venue guidelines before attending. 

Takeaway

Through the Artist’s Eye presents an intersection of art, medicine, and social engagement, offering insights into how creative practices can engage with institutional spaces. By focusing on perception and shared responsibility, the exhibition highlights how art can contribute to broader conversations about care, dignity, and community in contemporary society.