Collage International Art Carnival Sets a New Benchmark in the Indian Art Scene

Ashwani Kumar Prithvasi, Sanjeev Kumar Gautam, and other guests honouring Bose Krishnamachari.

The Collage International Art Carnival, held at the Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi, from January 13 to 18, 2026, has firmly established itself as a landmark event in the Indian art world. Emerging as a vibrant confluence of creativity, the carnival demonstrated how the vision of a single artist and his institution can bring together diverse artistic practices, generations, and geographies on one expansive platform.

Shri Dalip Singh Hitkari and Naven Kumar Jaggi with Art News India magazine, and editor and artist Dr Ved Prakash Bhardwaj

Shri Shuhas Bahulkar at both of the Garhi Artist Studios. 

The journey that artist Ashwani Kumar Prithviwasi, founding director of the Delhi Collage of Art, began two decades ago has now taken on an international dimension. What started as a focused artistic initiative has grown into a large-scale cultural movement, reflecting both perseverance and an unwavering commitment to nurturing art and artists.

Anoop Ratn presenting his thoughts. 

This year, the carnival went far beyond the conventional format of an art exhibition. Alongside an extensive display of artworks, the event also honoured many of the most respected artists, art writers, filmmakers, playwrights, poets, and curators of our time. Eminent personalities such as Jatin Das, Krishnamachari Bose, Aparna Caur, Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Prayog Shukla, Sandeep Marwah, Alka Pande, Georgina, Vinod Bhardwaj, Kavita Nair, Inder Salim, Harshvardhan Sharma, Anoop Ratn, Dr Ved Prakash Bhardwaj, Akshat Sinha, Ajay Sameer, Amit Dutt, and Prafulla Sawant, among many others, were recognised for their significant contributions to the cultural landscape. While a major exhibition was showcased in the main gallery of the Lalit Kala Akademi, the Akademi’s grounds were transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with multiple booths. These booths hosted exhibitions by art institutions and galleries from across the country, creating an open, accessible environment where visitors could engage directly with artists and their work.

Honouring Kavit Nayer

Honouring Aprna Caur

view of carnival. 

A large central stage became the heartbeat of the carnival, hosting a continuous lineup of programmes that included music, dance performances, poetry readings, theatre, film screenings, and panel discussions. Prominent institutions participating in this segment included Delhi College of Art, Jamia Millia Islamia, Triveni Kala Sangam, the artists’ group from Lalit Kala Akademi’s Regional Centre Garhi, Kaladham, Bal Bhavan, Urban Fingers, Uchaan Art Gallery, Astitva Art Gallery, Dehradun Art College, Blue Dot Art Gallery, Shankar Academy, and many other institutions and galleries.

young artists presenting their thoughts.

Dr. Ved Prakash Bhardwaj with Aswani kumar Prithviwasi 

Harshvardhan Sharma sharing his knowledge. 

Dr. Sachchinand Joshi addressing artists and art lovers. 

Artists from more than 20 countries took part in the carnival, reinforcing its truly international character. One of the special attractions, particularly for younger audiences, was the display of AI-generated art, which sparked lively discussions about technology, creativity, and the future of artistic expression. Live demonstrations, performance art, and interactive sessions further enriched the experience for visitors. The carnival also emphasised participation and learning. Workshops were organised for both children and adults, offering hands-on experiences in pottery, drawing, and printmaking. 

Live demo. 

These activities attracted enthusiastic participation and allowed visitors to explore their own creative potential. Thousands of art lovers found opportunities to present their creativity across various art forms, making the event inclusive and community-orientated. Several art talks and discussions were organised throughout the week, featuring both Indian and international artists. The sessions conducted by Chawky Frenn, Associate Professor at George Mason University, USA, were particularly impactful, offering valuable insights that resonated deeply with participating artists and students. The many dimensions of artistic creation showcased during the carnival clearly demonstrated that there is a strong and growing interest in art within society—an interest that needs sustained nurturing and meaningful platforms. Speaking about his vision, Ashwini Kumar Prithviwasi remarked that the carnival itself is his art. He noted that contemporary artists often function within isolated groups, disconnected from one another, and that this initiative was an attempt to bridge those gaps. “The enthusiastic participation of people and the wholehearted involvement of ordinary visitors in various workshops prove that when given the opportunity, people do not hesitate to engage with art,” he said. In every sense, the Collage International Art Carnival stood as a celebration of collaboration, inclusivity, and creative exchange—offering a powerful reminder that art flourishes most vibrantly when artists and audiences come together on a shared platform.