Responsible patronage is one of the biggest contributors to the growth of the arts and cultural ecosystem. Rising art scions — Nupur Dalmia (Director, Ark Foundation for the Arts, Baroda), Jaiveer Johal (Founder, Avtar Foundation for the Arts, Chennai), Samyukta Nair (Co Founder & CEO, LSL Capital, London/Mumbai) and Akshita Bhanj Deo (Editor-in-Chief, Travel+Leisure India and South Asia) — express how they are honouring and adapting regional legacies for India’s expansive future by building spaces for minds to gather and art to be created. Moderated by Dr. Padma Dorje Maitland (Malavalli Family Foundation, Associate Curator, Art of the Indian Subcontinent, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco).
Generously supported by JSW, the IAF 2025 Talks Series, Growing Focus, curated by independent researcher and curator Shaleen Wadhwana, examines the increasing prominence of South Asia within contemporary art, design and culture. The series highlights the efforts of People of the Global Majority — comprising more than 80 per cent of the world’s population, with roots in Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American cultures — who are asserting their presence across arts and cultural ecosystems. Amid the ongoing decentering of dominant ‘Global North’ narratives, it frames this moment not merely as a response to decolonisation but as landmark, historic self-determination. We explore this impact for audiences today and every day.
Nupur Dalmia: Nupur Dalmia is the Director of Ark Foundation for the Arts, an institution focused on representing Baroda’s modern and contemporary art while contextualizing its significant role within the canon of South Asian art. Nupur has previously worked in the marketing and technology industries. She has degrees in English and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
Jaiveer Johal: Jaiveer Johal, collector and founder of the Avtar Foundation, champions Modern and Contemporary art in Chennai. With a motto of “For Madras, From Madras,” the foundation curates exceptional art for the city while showcasing its heritage globally. Jaiveer’s vision bridges tradition and modernity, celebrating Chennai’s artistic identity on an international stage. In his professional life he runs the Johal Logistics Group with interests in automotive logistics and clean energy.
Samyukta Nair: Samyukta Nair is the Co Founder & CEO of LSL Capital, London/Mumbai.
Akshita Bhanj Deo: Akshita BhanjDeo, a nominee for the HT 30 under 30 2022 cohort, a TedX speaker and Net Zero Fellow of the SPG School of Governance (Bangalore), is the Director of The Belgadia Palace and its philanthropic arm The Mayurbhanj Foundation which has allowed her build a road map for sustainable development in Odisha’s largest district Mayurbhanj and use tourism as a vehicle for social impact in the space of arts and culture, sports, education and conservation. She is the Editor-in-Chief at Travel and Leisure South Asia & India.
Dr. Padma Dorje Maitland: Padma Dorje Maitland is the Malavalli Family Foundation Associate Curator, Art of the Indian Subcontinent, at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. He holds dual doctoral degrees in Architectural History and South Asian Studies from UC Berkeley and a MArch from Princeton. He has curated shows at BAMPFA, LACMA, Mia, and most recently co-curated After Hope: Videos of Resistance at the Asian Art Museum and Peabody Essex Museum. His publications include the forthcoming edited volume Art, Hope, Action: Creative Praxis in Pandemic Times.
