The recently-concluded nine-day long Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai), like every year, brings out art and other cultural events from the enclosed, entry-restricted venues to open streets and other public spaces. With people, across the spectrum, having free access to various immersive experiences, the electrifying pulse of the city and its colourful vibes were simply infectious.
Cities, big or small, are made of streets and other public spaces that create a breathing spell for the dwellers. While these spaces may serve as recreational centers for families and friends, they are also landmarks that occupy a special place in the personal memories of the inhabitants. That garden where you go with your family every other weekend… that ice-cream vendor at street corner where you love to catch up with your gang of buddies… that favorite spot on the seafront where you sit hand in hand with your beloved… Public spaces are about cherishing in the moment, breathing freedom and creating blissful memories.
Past <> Forward
Many cities in India have landmarks and public places where history lives on with the present and is standing the test of times to makes its way into the future. Mumbai is certainly one of them. The imposing architectural buildings and historical structures, especially in South Mumbai lend a distinct character to this part of the city that is locally known as the “town side” or simply “town”. The recently-concluded Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023, Mumbai had an interesting theme called Past <> Forward. It combined the history and heritage of the city, with topics of contemporary relevance and and future possibilities. Asrashaheen.in brings you some exclusive glimpses in this special roundup of the festival.
The annual festival, held at the Kala Ghoda area initially and now extended to multiple venues of South Mumbai, is a multicultural event that makes the best use of the public places in this metro city. At a time when every patch of urban land is being ruthlessly seen as commercial opportunity, depriving the common people of free access to these spaces, the festival has always brought people across the spectrum together to experience art and culture at these very streets and spaces.
Ever since its inception in 1999, the festival has attracted participants and visitors every year. Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association (a non-profit organization), the festival has 14 sections including visual arts, dance, music, theatre, workshops, children’s section, literature, food, heritage walks and lots more. The popular hihglights of the gran finale were thrilling performances by Colonial Cousins and A Band of Boys.
The event this year packed a punch, especially after the hiatus of pandemic years. From college-goers hopping venues to families looking for quality recreation experience at Cross Maidan and Cooperage Bandstand Garden, the pulse of the city was electrifying and vibrant. Yes, most immersive street art experiences are about clicking selfies and photo ops these days. But nevertheless, it brings out the artworks, literature, music, theatre and dance from the enclosures of lesser accessible museums, art galleries and entry-restricted venues to where the heart of the city is – on the streets.
Splash of Art in Public Spaces
Immersive Experience and Photo Ops
Thrill of Street Performances
Photo Exhibition & Literary Programmes
Try-Your-Hand Moments
