Mumbai's Cultural Landscape: From Theatres to Art Festivals
Explore the vibrant cultural scene in Mumbai, from new theatre spaces to art festivals and community events. Discover how the city's artists and organizations are making a significant impact.
MumbaiCultureArtTheatreBiennaleReal Estate MumbaiJul 19, 2025
Another one bites the dust
An equestrian falls off her horse at the Amateur Riders’ Club (ARC) in Show Jumping Arena at Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
Aiming for a century
A man pushes his cart past a wall bearing Biennale lettering in Mattancherry. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale will set a new record of its own this year. The sixth edition of the festival will run for 110 days, from December 12, 2025 till March 31, 2026. Curated by artist and founder of HH Art Spaces, Nikhil Chopra, the curatorial note suggested that the festival will move away from the conventional model of a singular, central event to ‘a living ecosystem’ and position ‘friendship economies’ as the very scaffolding of the exhibition.
Chopra added, “We invite artists to seek resonances across geography and time, to trace shared memories, mirrored struggles, and new affinities rooted in empathy and deep listening.” President of the Biennale, artist Bose Krishnamachari said, “Those visiting the biennale will be introduced to an immersive atmosphere, featuring spectacular artworks and site-responsive installations. The event will also offer abundant opportunities to engage with artists and fellow art enthusiasts, and witness the layered cultural life of Kochi, a city where global and local currents converge and diverge all at once.”
Culture can be lit too
A moment from the 2024 edition. How do you jam with Gen Z in the workplace? It might seem like a boring corporate issue, but it will be among the many conversations taking place at the third edition of CultureCon that commences on August 7 at the Museum of Solutions in Lower Parel. Organised by Art X Company & Festivals From India, the conference will explore subjects aligned with careers, creativity and the creative business. “With Gen Z being the future of the creative force, we cannot ignore a conversation about their interests, and our own understanding. The conversations will be centred on aspects from education in the arts, AI and creative futures, as well as music and generative AI,” shared Rashmi Dhanwani, its founder.
Stage is set
Real estate in Mumbai is so expensive that every inch acquired is worth a little celebration. Back in June, we wrote about a new amateur theatre group, Mitraa Theatre, working its way through the city’s stages. Now, we learn that they have acquired their own production venue in Aram Nagar at Versova. “It is a little space that helps us find steady ground in the city,” shared founder Zafar Warsi. While the space might not be much, it acts as a place for us to gather and create more structured productions in the future. “Though it is early to say, we will be looking at a few adaptations to stage in the near future,” he added.
Calling young guns
A moment from a previous performance. Something interesting is brewing for those who live and breathe theatre. Thespo, in its 27th edition, presents The First Call, where enthusiasts and professionals under the age of 25 can meet, chat and build a community of their own. From stage performances to music and dance programmes, participants can immerse themselves into the world of theatre and get to know the events scheduled for the year. “If you are even vaguely interested in theatre and want a space to explore, showcase your work or get trained further, this is the place to be,” revealed Srishti Ray, associate producer at QTP Entertainment, and a Thespo mentor. Participants will also get a chance to attend a session where Thespo alumnus and actor Ali Fazal will be in a conversation with Ritika Shrotri, fellow alumna, writer and director about his life and journey with theatre. Check out @thespoindia for more details about the upcoming edition.
Visionaries for a reason
Two of Mumbai’s pioneers in the field of empowerment, from the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), St Xavier’s College, (Autonomous) Mumbai, Dr Sam Taraporevala, executive director, XRCVC and Ketan Kothari, managing consultant, programmes, are being celebrated for their work on an international stage. Both educators bagged spots on the Diversability’s D-30 Impact List that honours 30 disabled leaders. “It sends a message to our supporters that our work is not just being recognised nationally but internationally as well. It is the recognition of our whole team and people who have put faith in us,” Dr Taraporevala told this diarist. Initially established as a support service for blind students at St Xavier’s College, the duo introduced a range of reforms and measures for the betterment of the community. “There is a perceptible change in attitude but a lot more needs to be done at the societal and governmental level for creating an equitable society,” remarked Kothari, implying a need for empathy, than sympathy towards the disabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale?
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a contemporary art festival held in Kochi, India. It is one of the largest art events in the country, featuring works by both Indian and international artists.
What is CultureCon?
CultureCon is a conference organized by Art X Company & Festivals From India. It focuses on careers, creativity, and the creative business, with a special emphasis on engaging with Gen Z and discussing topics like AI and music.
What is Mitraa Theatre?
Mitraa Theatre is a new amateur theatre group in Mumbai that has recently acquired its own production venue in Aram Nagar at Versova. This space will help them create more structured productions in the future.
What is Thespo?
Thespo is a theatre festival that has been running for 27 years. It presents The First Call, a platform for enthusiasts and professionals under 25 to meet, chat, and build a community of their own.
Who are Dr. Sam Taraporevala and Ketan Kothari?
Dr. Sam Taraporevala and Ketan Kothari are pioneers in the field of empowerment at the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) in Mumbai. They have been recognized internationally for their work.
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