India Biennale 2026–27 to bring student art to Delhi’s heritage sites

The India Biennale 2026–27 will bring art into dialogue with Delhi’s historic landmarks and cultural institutions from December 4, 2026 to March 21, 2027.

Spanning heritage sites and public spaces across the capital, the Biennale aims to create new ways for audiences to experience modern, contemporary and student art beyond conventional gallery settings.

A key highlight will be the second edition of the Student Biennale, presented by The Ardee Foundation following an invitation from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The initiative will provide young artists with a public platform to showcase their creativity and explore the intersections of art, identity, history and shared human experiences.

The Biennale will unfold across prominent locations, including Purana Qila, the Red Fort, the National Gallery of Modern Art, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Garden and Lalit Kala Akademi. By placing artworks within these historically significant settings, the initiative seeks to encourage dialogue between India’s cultural legacy and contemporary artistic expression.

Shefali Varma, Chairperson of The Ardee Schools and The Ardee Foundation, is part of the Biennale’s Organising Committee, chaired by Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. She also acknowledged Sharon Apparao, the Biennale’s coordinator, for her curatorial approach to bringing art, architecture and historic settings together.

The initiative builds on The Ardee Foundation’s engagement with art and education since 1997. Varma said the idea of creating a dedicated platform for young artists emerged from a conversation with artist Jaysri Burman.

The Student Biennale aims to encourage experimentation, independent thinking and creative confidence among emerging artists. It also seeks to strengthen connections between schools, art colleges, museums, artists’ studios and cultural institutions, making meaningful artistic experiences more accessible to young people.