Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first India Art Architecture and Design Biennial 2023 at the Red Fort, Delhi. The event brings together artists, designers and architects from India to showcase innovations in art, design and architecture. Along with launching a special postage stamp to commemorate the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Center for Design'. He stressed the importance of freedom of thought and doing things in one's own way for the flourishing of art, architecture and culture.
He said that a society with a tradition of debate and dialogue automatically promotes diversity and welcomes and supports all forms of diversity. Speaking at the event, he said that Indian cultural projects like IAADB need to establish an identity. The government is actively working towards formalizing international cultural initiatives and creating a contemporary framework inspired by events organized in cities such as Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai.
What is IAADB?
IAADB was organized from 9 to 15 December 2023 at Red Fort, New Delhi. It also follows major initiatives such as the recently held International Museum Expo (May 2023) and Library Festival (August 2023). IAADB is designed to initiate a holistic dialogue between artists, architects, designers, photographers, collectors, art professionals and the public to strengthen cultural dialogue. It also provides avenues and opportunities to expand and collaborate with creators of art, architecture and design as part of the emerging economy.
IAADB will showcase different theme-based exhibitions each day of the week:
- Day 1: Rite of Passage: Door to India
- Day 2: Bagh-e-Bahar: The Garden as a Universe: Gardens of India
- Day 3: Sampravah: Confluence of Communities: Baoli of India
- Day 4: Architecture: Anti-Fragile Algorithms: Temples of India
- Day 5: Vismaya: Creative Crossover: Architectural Wonders of Independent India
- Day 6: Swadeshi Design: Swadeshi Design
- Day 7: Equality: Shaping the Built: Celebrating Women in Architecture
The IAADB included pavilions, panel discussions, art workshops, art markets, heritage walks and a parallel student biennale based on the above themes. The Student Biennial at the Academy of Fine Arts (Samunnati) provided students with the opportunity to exhibit their work, interact, and work with peers. professionals, and gain valuable experience within the architectural community through design competitions, heritage demonstrations, installation designs, workshops, etc. IAADB 23 proved to be an important moment for the country as it ushered India into the biennial scene.
Self-reliant India Center for Design
In line with the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' vision, 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Center for Design' was established at the Red Fort. It will showcase the unique and indigenous crafts of India and provide a collaborative space between artisans and designers. Paving the way for a sustainable cultural economy, it will empower artisan communities with new designs and innovations.