National,, 21st December 2022 (GNI): St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints come together to launch the 3-month long Mumbai Urban Art Festival (MUAF). MUAF will take on a city scale endeavour which will include landmark murals, experiential exhibitions, immersive installations and public programming across key venues.
Since 2014, St+art India and Asian Paints have collaborated to make art accessible to
diverse audiences while contributing to urban regeneration and the cultural landscape
at large. This has included areas such as Mahim East, Sassoon Dock, and Bandra, as well
as iconic sites such as Churchgate Station and Jindal Mansion.
MUAF therefore continues to engage with Mumbai through a long-standing effort of
contributing to the contemporary public art heritage. Every two years, the festival will
bring together a plethora of artists and diverse practitioners to create interdisciplinary
projects. MUAF will explore different areas of the city, in an attempt to offer opportunities of rediscovering lesser-known paths and forgotten narratives. From the suburbs to the center, and from marginalized neighbourhoods to heritage locations, the aim of MUAF is to look at the city as an interconnected organism where inclusivity
through creativity becomes a foundation for action in the public realm.
The first edition of the festival will traverse the idea of “city in flux”, where the city, like
water, is porous, regenerating, and fluid. A city of contrasts and coexistence where there
is always room for imagination, beauty, darkness and most of all – complexities. A
maximum city, which continues to embody versatility and mobility in its character of
being a port city, where every inch of space and engagement is often seemingly transactional.
Encouraging the public to engage and experience the art, MUAF brings together a wide
range of audiences in unexpected spots thanks to the work of over 60 local and international artists.
MUAF – THE PROJECTS
Sassoon Dock Art Project
After a successful run in 2017, St+art and Asian Paints are delighted to return to one of
the oldest docks of Mumbai to collaborate again with MbPA, this time on the special
occasion of its 150 years anniversary.
In the spirit of celebration, reimagination, and development, Sassoon Dock will become
an art hub open to all, in the heart of South Mumbai. Permanent outdoor murals will
enrich this hyper characteristic site while leading to the 3 indoor experiential
exhibitions. Large scale site-specific installations, new media, and light based works will immerse the viewer in reflections between the sea and the city. Over the weekends, a
host of workshops, talks, art walks, performances, concerts, dance events, kids activities and more will activate Sassoon Docks.
Mr. Rajiv Jalota, IAS, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), says, “Mumbai Port
Authority (MbPA) is pleased to be a part of the art exhibition at Sassoon Dock, which is one
of the oldest docks from where cotton trade evolved and this dock subsequently became a
fishing harbour. MbPA has always been supportive of such initiatives and believes that art sensitises the communities for better appreciation and understanding of the subject, and also brings dif erent segments of our society to a common platform. After the successful
Sassoon Dock Art Project 1.0, we look forward to celebrating the 150th Anniversary of
Mumbai Port on a grand artistic scale by collaborating with St+art India Foundation. The
port has been a standing testimony of Mumbai’s evolution and this art initiative is a step
further in this direction.”
In a pursuit to make the event sustainable, special attention will be given to accessibility,
urban tactical interventions, and community based projects, while reflecting and
utilising materials which are sustainable or recyclable and working along both, the local
and creative communities towards a common goal.
Sassoon Dock Art Project Part 1 – Intuitions. Between the sea and the city
22.12.22 – 22.2.23
Spanning diverse geographies, the exhibition aims to pose questions about our complex
relationship with the environment, more specifically with water and the expanding
hypercity.
Sassoon Dock Art Project Part 2- Illusions. Between the sea and the city
12.01.22 – 22.2.23
In a path from darkness to light, this venue will reflect on some of the complexities of
our transactional reality, by proposing alternative, fluid, and expansive views.
The AP Art House
14.1.23 – 5.2.23
The Art House will consider what a ‘home’ can be, if inspired by creative living and
modular design.
Mahim (E) Art District
1.2.23 – 22.2.23
Ongoing since 2014, the District lies at the intersection of Mahim Station and Dharavi
and features 20 murals by local and international artists. This year will see the addition
of 3 large scale murals, urban tactical interventions such as edible gardens, multipurpose
seating, sport courts, and more.
Workshops and participative artworks will engage the community, making it an integral
part of the festival.
The Bandra Project
22.1.23 – 22.2.23
Two temporary installations, a permanent artwork over the popular Carter Road
Skatepark and a tailored walk & talk, will include the historical and hip neighbourhood
of Bandra in the festival’s map. Landmark Murals Hyperlocal narratives focused on ecological and historical narratives will be painted on large facades in visible and nodal spots of the city. Amidst the concrete and glass jungle, these interventions will engage the public’s imagination and create value for the city at large.
Temporary Installation
22.12.22 – 22.2.23
An unexpected spectacle will pop up in several areas across the city. Stay tuned!
Light Night Colaba
12.1.23 – 15.1.23
A spectacular installation at Apollo Bunder and light based artworks and performances
at the Sassoon Dock will light up Colaba during the Mumbai Gallery Weekend.
Programming
22.12.22 – 22.02.2023
Every weekend, the Sassoon Art Project will feature an array of performances, talks,
artist interactions, walking tours, workshops and more.
Team from St+art India Foundation, says, “We will explore dif erent areas of the city, in
an attempt to of er opportunities to rediscover lesser-known paths and forgotten
narratives. We encourage everyone to immerse themselves in the endless potential of urban
art. Our aim is to create an unmissable appointment that will put Mumbai on the global
map of leading urban art. Team St+Art looks forward to creating public art in Mumbai,
every two years, to embed it in everyday life as a critical element for the growth of our
society at large and value for our cities.”
Mr. Amit Syngle, Managing Director & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd., says, “Asian Paints and
St+Art India Foundation have been driving this collective vision of democratizing art for
almost a decade now. We are truly proud of the 6 art districts and over 400+ murals that
have been meaningfully created. This year, we are excited to bring to you our most
formidable project. We have the biggest intervention with Mumbai Urban Art Festival
which is going to accentuate the city’s art and culture via murals, art installations,
experiential exhibitions and the Asian Paints Art House at Sassoon. I can assure you; MUAF
is going to be grand – something Mumbai has never seen before.”
About St+art India Foundation: St+art India Foundation contributes to urban regeneration and community living through contemporary urban art projects. The foundation enables a vision for democratised public spaces through interdisciplinary art interventions that are rooted in the social context. Their aim is to engage with the public imagination by connecting communities and providing a platform for artists and cultural exchange. Since 2014, the foundation has organised multiple festivals and public art projects in Delhi, Mumbai,
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore and more, creating
iconic landmarks in these cities.
About Asian Paints Limited:
Since its foundation in 1942, Asian Paints has come a long way to become India’s leading
and Asia’s second largest paint company, with a consolidated turnover of ₹ 29,101.28
crores (₹ 291 billion). Asian Paints operates in 15 countries and has 27 pain manufacturing facilities in the world, servicing consumers in over 60 countries. Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating and introducing new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Safe Painting Service, Colour Next and Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Stores. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints for Decorative and Industrial use for interior and exterior walls. Their portfolio also includes SmartCare range for waterproofing, WoodTech products for wood finishes and Adhesives range for all surfaces. The company is also present in the “Home Improvement and Decor
segment” and offers bath and kitchen products. The company also introduced lighting,
furnishings, and furniture in its portfolio and offers a range of safe and supervised
painting and interior design services.
St+art India Foundation Co-Founders
Arjun Bahl / Director
arjun@st-artindia.org
Giulia Ambrogi / Chief Curator
giulia@st-artindia.org
Hanif Kureshi / Artistic Director
hanif@st-artindia.org
Thanish Thomas / Project Director
thanish@st-artindia.org
Participating Artists Aashti Miller, Aarti Sunder, Ad Minoliti, Afzan Pirzade, Amrit Pal Singh, Andha Ras,Aravani Art Project, Aqui Thami, Atia Sen, Ayaz Basrai (Busride Studio), Ali Salmi, Daku, Dennis Fabian Peter, Dharavi Art Room, Durga Gawde, Faizan Khatri, Filthy Luker, Fintan Magee, Gaysi Family, Graphic Surgery, H11235, Jasmeen Patheja, Johnson Singh, Khyati
Trehan, Katre, Koshy Brahmatmaj, Lady Aiko, Luzinterruptus, Martand Khosla, Martha
Cooper , Meera Devidayal, Mr. Poes, Mona Caron, Naman Saraiya, Neethi, Okuda, Osheen
Siva, Paola Delfin, Parag Tandel, Philippe Calia, Pranav Gohil, Rero, Rithika Pandey, Robin
Meier, Ronak Soni, Sadhna Prasad, Sajid Wajid Shaikh, Sakshi Gupta, Sameer Kulavoor &
Sandeep Meher, Santanu Hazarika, Senkoe, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Sheena Maria
Piedade, Shripad Sinnakaar, Sohrab Hura, Sumit Roy, Tarini Sethi, Trespassers, Vayeda
Brothers, ZERO.Festival Partners.Maharashtra Port Authority (MbPA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Govt. of Maharashtra, Pro Helvetia, Spanish Cooperation, Institut Francais, Australian
Consulate-General, Alliance Francais, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Saffron Art Foundation, Indorama Ventures, India Climate Collaborative,
Spectrum Impact, Avid Learning, Art & Wonderment, Funclub, MuSo, Google Arts and
Culture, Bira, Impresario, Access For All, Yoda, Samsung – The Frame, Faizan Khatri
Design Workshop, Sameep Padora and Associates, The Busride, Chemould, TARQ,
Experimenter, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Nature Morte, Devi Art Foundation, Paytm
Insider, Art Fervour.
Founding Patrons Zia Mody, Anjali Mody, Minal Vazirani, Dinesh Vazirani, Vijay & Sunita Choraria. Young Patron Mirik Gogri, Priyanka Agarwal, Avinash Goyal, Mihir Lunia
Advisory Board Minal Vazirani, Amit Syngle, Asad Laljee, Dinesh Vazirani, Neale Murray, Priya Paul, Riyaaz Amlani, Roshan Abbas.
Working Committee Arjun Bahl, Aishwarya Nair, Anjali Modi, Faizan Khatri, Hena Kapadia, Poornima Sukumar, Sameep Padora, Sharad Singla, Siddhanth Shah.ends GNI SG
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