Delhi Art Carnival Puts 500 Emerging Artists in Spotlight

While Delhi's prestigious India Art Fair prepares to showcase big-name artists next month, something special is happening at Lalit Kala Akademi. The Collage International Art Carnival is giving 500 emerging artists, including current art students, a chance to shine.

The six-day event features over 1,000 artworks from creators across India. Many of these artists are displaying their work professionally for the first time, learning to present their art and connect with audiences on a scale they've never experienced before.

Founder Ashwani Kumar Prithviwasi started the carnival with a simple vision 20 years ago. "We literally began by exhibiting works of art students on the streets of Uttam Nagar," he recalls. Today, the event brings together artists of all ages and experience levels in one vibrant space.

On opening night alone, several students made their first-ever sales. Others practiced introducing their work to viewers and gained confidence presenting their creations. "For students like us, this is a great platform to receive feedback and encounter the work of other artists as well," said Divyanshi Verma, 25, exhibiting in Delhi for the first time.

More than 25 institutions participate, including College of Art Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. The variety of mediums on display ranges from paintings and photographs to ceramics, installations, and even book illustrations.

Artist Anita Kaur, who teaches printmaking at Jamia Millia Islamia, emphasized the event's unique value. "There are very few places where art students can really interact with audiences on this scale, so we are encouraging them to take the lead," she said. Her students even selected which works to showcase themselves.

The carnival also attracted attention from established figures in India's art world. Artist Bose Krishnamachari, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event, praised the effort. "Creating such spaces for conversation is important," he noted, highlighting how showing work in Delhi brings visibility and builds confidence for students from across the country.

The Ripple Effect

The carnival represents something bigger than a single exhibition. It's creating a bridge between generations of artists and giving newcomers access to a community that often works in isolation. By mixing experienced artists with students just starting their journeys, the event creates natural mentorship opportunities and lasting connections.

The growth from street exhibitions to a major cultural event shows what's possible when someone commits to lifting up emerging talent. Twenty years of consistent effort has created a launching pad where the next generation of Indian artists can find their voice, make meaningful connections, and take their first steps into the professional art world.

Art students across India now have a place where their work matters and their voices are heard.