Kala Ghoda Arts Festival brings dance, art and tradition to the street

This art fest will draw attention to Mumbai's beautiful, old art district and how it has claimed its spot as one of the country's coolest cultural confluences

By Alisha Patel 8 February, 2010

Installations dress the streets of Kala Ghoda, and every year taxis, rickshaws and bicycles are transformed into art.

While the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has become an annual mecca to see the cultural "who's who" of the city, the idea has always been for it to be democratic, allowing everyone to experience a heavy dose of local culture totally free of cost. Mumbai's premier culture fest continues this week until February 14, with a focus this year on India’s heritage. The theme, Presence of the Past, is meant to shed light on India’s traditions in art and culture.

Since its inception in 1999, the festival's aim has been to draw attention to Kala Ghoda, Mumbai’s beautiful and small art district, not only showcasing talent, but creating a place where people can learn about literature, art, performance art, photography and dance through interactive workshops and seminars.

The funds generated during the Festival go towards the upkeep and restoration of the precinct.

Last year an interpretation on the issue of water shortage in the city took the form of a giant pyramid of bottles and buckets.
New in 2010: Dance troupes with street skills and a focus on photography old and new

In 2010, look out for the Prince dance troupe, a group of laborers-turned-dancers and the winners of "India’s Got Talent!" Delhi's Skeleton Dance Crew will also play a tribute to Michael Jackson.

The festival also includes film screenings, this year showcasing Films by Celebrities, a series of short, five-minute films by such Indian notables as Chef Max, Salim Asgar Ali, Bina Aziz, and Aditya and Divya Hitkari. Valentine’s Day sees a mini-marathon of misery with the Devdas film festival. Different versions of the epic Indian movie about a heartbroken, rebellious alcoholic in love, will be aired back to back. (Ladies, bring a box of tissues. Gentlemen, a lot of patience.)

Renowned lens man Shirish Karrale will recreate an old photo studio made by using old cars and other retro tools. Karrale has shot the personal portfolios of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh, Dr Vijay Mallya, Kamal Hassan, Zakir Hussain, Javed Akhtar, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Max Vadukul and Raza. He conducts several photography workshops accross the country and currently works for Infomedia 18 Limited as the Creative Head and Group Photo Editor. "Better Photography" magazine is also his brainchild.

The Pavement Gallery, which is quite literally what it sounds like, is exhibiting 25 young photographers. According to organizer Brinda Miller, a special emphasis is being placed on photography, a medium that is growing increasingly popular with young, urban Indians. This year Mumbai's young snappers have picked eclectic subjects ranging from the typical Dharavi slums to Cambodian Buddhist nuns and sitar makers of Miraj.

In recent years the organizing committee has worked to develop and expand childrens’ interest in the creative arts. This year 6 to 12-year-olds will be encouraged to try their hand at everything from origami to pottery, making scrapbooks to tribal warli art. Heritage walks for children are also a part of the program.

Subhash Awchat, one of the city’s most famous artists, is delighted to be participating in the festival for the first time. "This is Mumbai’s most cultural activity and it is on an international scale," Awchat says. "If you go to France, Germany or London you always see these kinds of festivals. I’m thrilled to be part of it. I feel great about my sculpture being there."

Download the 2010 KGAF festival guide.

Re-fuel: With a cup of coffee or a shot of fashion Kala Ghoda-style

Wifi connection, vaulted wooden roof, organic coffee and homemade ginger cake.

Café culture has blossomed in Kala Ghoda, one of Mumbai’s most lively neighborhoods, in recent years. Part café, part gallery, the Kala Ghoda Café (Kala Ghoda Café, 10 Ropewalk Lane, Kala Ghoda, Fort; tel +91 (0) 22 2263 3866) is set in an early 20th century barn across the street from the city’s most famous seafood restaurant, Trishna (Sai Baba Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort; tel +91 (0) 22 2261 4991).

Muse (Muse, # 46, Dr. VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda; tel +91 (0) 22 2262 3133), a high-end store for the city’s fashion brigade is also in the heart of Kala Ghoda and mixes luxury retail and glamor with ease. From Anna Sui to DVF and Victoria Beckham to Paul and Joe, it may not be very historically Mumbai, but Muse definitely represents the aspirations of new Mumbai.

The Kala Ghoda Art Festival will be held from February 6-14, on the streets of Mumbai’s historic art district of Kala Ghoda. Download the 2010 KGAF festival guide.