The epicenter of South Asian art expands its horizon

India Art Fair (IAF)the ultimate destination to discover South Asian modern and contemporary art, will return for its 17th edition in the NSIC Exhibition Grounds of New Delhi of the February 5 to 8, 2026. The fair, run in collaboration with BMW Indiawill gather a record of 123 exhibitorsa significant expansion that reflects the constant growth of the event; By 2025 the fair had already hosted 120 exhibitors, marking its largest edition until then .

This milestone follows the launch of IAF EDI+IONSa new initiative that extends the cultural impact of the fair throughout the subcontinent. The inaugural edition of IAF EDI+IONS in Hyderabad takes place this weekend, November 1-2, 2025, marking a new chapter for India Art Fair as it builds presence in one of India’s most dynamic cities .

Jaya AsokanDirector of India Art Fair, commented: «The 17th edition of India Art Fair marks a watershed moment for us, not just in scale, but in scope. With a record number of exhibitors and a truly global lineup, India Art Fair continues to serve as the definitive meeting point for the international art community in South Asia.»

Growth of India Art Fair (2025-2026)

Edition	Year	Number of Exhibitors	Galleries	Institutions	Design Studies
16th Edition	2025	120	78	28	11
17th Edition	2026	123	87	24	14

A diverse and global gallery panorama

The 2026 program features a careful mix of the biggest names in South Asian contemporary art alongside established international galleries. The list includes leading Indian galleries such as Vadehra Art Gallery, Nature Morte y Experimenteras well as modern participants such as DAY y Dhoomimal Gallery. The fair also welcomes three new Indian participants: Cultivate Art, Lakeeren Contemporary y Subcontinentall based in Mumbai.

The fair reaffirms its place as the nexus for the global art world in South Asia with the participation of leading international galleries. Returning participants include David Zwirner y Gallery Continueswhose presence in 2025 was very notable . The fair also welcomes seven new international exhibitors, including Whitestone Gallery (Tokyo) and 193 Gallery (Paris).

Curatorial Sections: Focus, Platform and Design

• “Focus” section: Features a series of showcases from individual artists, including Bhari Kherknown for her powerful sculptural practice that unites myth, body and materiality, and Thandiwe Diedthe Nairobi-based photographer whose striking portraits reclaim African identity .
• “Platform” section: Continues to highlight the living artistic traditions and craft-based practices of South Asia. This section brings together artists and groups that reinterpret inherited practices with contemporary language, including the Gondwana Art Project and the Delhi Crafts Council.
• “Design” Section: Returns for its third year with an expanded showcase of leading and emerging design studios redefining the language of contemporary design in India. This year’s presentation brings together returning studios, such as Ashish Shah y Gunjan Guptawith new participants such as Kunal Maniyar y SHED .

Outdoor projects and the power of collaborations

The fair will have important outdoor projectsincluding new site-specific works from the artist Kulpreet Singhcommissioned and presented by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA). Another notable project is What If Women Ruled the World? Participatory Quilt from the acclaimed global artist Judy Chicagopresented by DAMN IT.

Scoring ten years of association creative between India Art Fair and BMW India, 2026 edition introduces new theme Crafting in Continuum to “The Future is Born of Art Commission“. Hardeep Singh BrarPresident and CEO of BMW Group India, commented: “At India Art Fair 2026, we proudly continue this journey, championing artistic voices that envision a world driven by progress, purpose and possibility.”

India Art Fair continues to build long-term relationships with partners such as JSW, RADO y Max Estateswhile expanding its network of creative collaborators.