The KGAF (Kala Ghoda Arts Festival) is a nine-day-long celebration, at the heart of the Art precinct, where creativity spills out onto the streets of Mumbai. It is an energetic symphony of visual arts including paintings, sculptures, digital art, street art, photography, performing arts, literature, films, heritage walks, food, and subsequent workshops. The collective zeal for propagation is what makes diverse communities collaborate.
“It is led by very passionate people. No one is here to make money. They all love doing what they do. It’s wonderful to have them all together, even if they just agree to disagree. It’s like one big family.” says Brinda Miller, the festival director.
Urban transformation
Public art has the power to transform metropolitans into vibrant cultural hubs. It democratizes art, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their social or economic background. Speaking about the KGAF, “Our main purpose is to put visual arts out on the street, to make it accessible to everyone. The amount of installations that we showcase on that street is tremendous,” Miller states. The art fair encourages interaction, sparks dialogue, and fosters a deeper appreciation for creativity within the community.
The desire to create, to give form to the intangible, is an intrinsic part of being a craftsperson. Miller, who was involved with the fest soon after its inception, recalls the initial spark: “The main reason was to draw attention to the heritage buildings in the area- the colleges, libraries, the Synagogue.”
Drawing lakhs of visitors annually from across India, the festival has witnessed remarkable growth. Free to attend, it raises crucial funds for the restoration and upkeep of the historic precinct, “from whatever we earn from the festival, in terms of sponsorships, a major portion of the income goes towards the restoration of the area… we have restored so many beautiful buildings.” According to her, getting the required permissions from the authorities has also become a lot easier now, “They’re more sensitive towards culture and art. They feel like it’s their festival too, so they take a bit of ownership and pride in all of this.”
Honouring heritage
A significant concern that often arises with growth and development is the potential loss of authenticity. In the context of an ever-evolving city, there’s a persistent fear that an influx of aesthetic stimuli, increasing scale, and younger audience might inadvertently alter its core identity. Even though this feeling is reasonable, Miller holds a different perspective, “I think one has to realize that change is inevitable. People will say that’s not fine but I think it’s absolutely fine. You can’t hold onto the old institutions all the time.”
Maintaining this essence while embracing necessary changes is a delicate balancing act. It requires careful consideration and a commitment to preserving the values and spirit that originally defined the endeavor, “the quaintness of Kala Ghoda will remain. I am quite confident. The museum will remain the museum. The National Gallery of Modern Art will remain. Elphinstone College will remain… the heritage will remain.” She added.
The core identity of KGAF encompasses catering to a diverse palette, initiating communal connections and support, and cultivating cultural ethos. Moving forward, the primary focus lies on expanding support. “I think I have done everything I would like to do. However, I would definitely like more help. I have great people but I’ll need many more now.” While the current team is dedicated, the festival’s growth necessitates a larger workforce. Securing funding remains a major challenge, significantly increasing the workload. Finding alternative funding models or securing greater patronage and sponsorship is crucial for sustainable growth. Despite these challenges, the organizers remain committed to ensuring the festival’s continued success.
Evolving canvas
The multimedia artist’s earlier work focused more on symmetry and repetition; which has gradually given way to a more fluid, interpretive style, allowing for greater spontaneity. She made a conscious choice of letting go of boundaries in her art. “I have no regrets in life about what I’ve gone through. I don’t like routine at all. Every day there should be something new happening in my life,” she states, talking about her evolution.
Language of colour
“You can see a bit of colour from the previous layer on the next layer. Similar to the facets of my life.” She employs warm and earthy tones in her pieces; which aptly describe the energy of the crescent-shaped art precinct according to her. “It’s all eclectic. It’s a mix of many things,” she adds, outlining her philosophy on art and life.
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is synonymous with Mumbai’s vibrant art scene. The tireless efforts and unwavering passion of countless people have created a beloved space working to break down the barriers between art and the everyday. As the city continues to evolve, its legacy and the enduring spirit of the KGAF will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the younger generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
“My art inspires my role at the festival and the festival inspires my role in art,” says Brinda Miller, talking about how the exposure from being the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’s Director has influenced her personal expression. “There’s a tremendous confidence in whatever I do now,” Miller concludes.
