Supported by JSW and curated by independent researcher and curator, Shaleen Wadhwana, the 2026 Talks Programme– Rising to Challenge, brings together artists, curators, thinkers, and cultural leaders to address the overarching question: What Makes Art Happen? Each panel responds to this question with a “challenge”— from long-standing issues of access, accountability and social difference, to urgent contemporary concerns such as Artificial Intelligence and indigenizing cultural spaces.
All talks are conducted in English and Indian Sign Language (ISL), with some talks in Hindi, Punjabi, Odia, and Saura live translated for the audience.
*Saura (also known as Soura or Sora) is recognised as one of the oldest Indigenous languages of the Indian subcontinent
THEMATIC PREMISE
In a media connected world, digital access to images, ideas and thoughts is paramount – and we have the advancement of technology to thank for that. It has in part democratised access especially in socially stratified countries of South Asia, and ensured knowledge dissemination at a scale never before before. From assistive methods of research, image generation and more supported by AI and internet tools, we are trying to understand what does making art ‘from scratch’ mean today? What does technology mean today for art-makers in this industry as we learn to embrace this change and hold ourselves accountable to this post-truth, post-AI world. To contend with what AI brings to the table, the challenge this panel addresses is the nuance of how ‘originality’ in the creative process gets impacted today? As we, hopefully, define what remains ‘original’ in art creation – this is a moment to wonder what A.I. simplifies or threatens. Panelists are invited to advocate and critique in equal measure how this is shaping and growing our relationship of art, technology and society.
SPEAKERS
GERFRIED STOCKER
Artistic Director, Ars Electronica
Gerfried Stocker (AT) is a media artist and an engineer for communication technology and has been artistic and managing director of Ars Electronica since 1995. In 1995/96 he developed the groundbreaking exhibition strategies of the Ars Electronica Center with a small team of artists and technicians and was responsible for the setup of the Ars Electronica Futurelab. He is overseeing the developments of the various programs of Ars Electronica in Linz as well as internationally.
ALIDA SUN
Artist and Technologist
Alida Sun is an artist and technologist based in Berlin and New York. Her research-based practice integrates presence, resistance, and adaptation in the age of algorithms. Every day for over 2,000 days and counting she has hand coded a new generative artwork spanning installation, sound, architecture, choreography, drawing, textiles, and light. Her works have been exhibited in museums and galleries including UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, bitforms, Unit London, as well as media art festivals around the world.
SHRUJANA NIRANJANI SHRIDHAR
Artist and Illustrator
Shrujana Niranjani Shridhar is an artist and illustrator whose practice examines the intersection of caste, gender, and capitalism, honouring the resilience of communities that fought caste and gender oppressions for centuries. She has written and illustrated children’s books like ‘Aamu’s Kawandi’, among others. She runs the Dalit Panther Archive, digitising and archiving Little Magazines and literature published by the members of the Dalit Panther movement. She is a co-founder of Mavelinadu Collective and is currently pursuing her masters in the Fine Arts program at Parsons Fine Arts in New York City. She has received the SSAF–AAA Research Grant for Archiving Histories of Art, Ideas, and Visual Culture in 2019. Her works have been exhibited at Arts House, Melbourne and The Showroom, London, among others.
ARCHANA PRASAD
Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Gooey.AI
Archana Prasad is Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Gooey.AI and a PhD Researcher at the Royal College of Art, London, focusing on Inclusive AI in the cultural sector. A creative technologist with over two decades of experience, she works at the intersection of art, technology, and community engagement. Prasad founded Jaaga, Dara.network, and BeFantastic.in, fostering cross-border collaborations and socio-environmental change through tech-art initiatives. She holds patents from Microsoft Research India, where she worked in Design Research. A TechStars and Blume Founder, she is also a Clore Fellow, Chevening Fellow, and ATSA Fellow, leading global networks committed to AI for social good.
Archana Prasad’s participation is supported by the British Council India.
MODERATOR
ANINDO SEN
Arts Writer, Researcher and Cultural Strategist
Anindo Sen is an independent arts writer, researcher, and cultural strategist, who has contributed to international publications including The Art Newspaper, Artnet, ARTnews, Artsy, and Hyperallergic, and Indian platforms such as Art India, Mint Lounge, and Critical Collective. He holds a master’s in Arts Management from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London, where he was sole full-tuition scholar and received the Director’s Commendation. He co-curated No(w)here at the A plus A Gallery, Venice (2024), and has served as visiting lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute. He previously held an MBA from FMS Delhi and leadership roles at ITC, Star TV and the Public Arts Trust of India.