"JSW Foundation's Hampi Art Labs Set to Inaugurate on February 5"

JSW Foundation's Hampi Art Labs is gearing up to open its doors to the public on February 5th. Nestled near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in Karnataka, the sprawling nine-acre center is equipped with exhibition spaces, studios, residency apartments, gardens, and a cafe, marking a significant addition to the cultural landscape. JSW Foundation serves as the social development arm of the renowned JSW Group.

Founded by Sangita Jindal and her daughter Tarini Jindal Handa, Hampi Art Labs is conceptualized as an interdisciplinary institution inspired by the ancient temple city of Hampi, known for its flourishing art, architecture, and literature during the 14th-16th centuries.

Sangita Jindal, the Founder of Hampi Art Labs, expressed her vision, stating, "Hampi Art Labs will be a major contribution to arts infrastructure and production facilities in the country and a cultural destination for both local and international visitors." She further shared that the project draws inspiration from her mother, Urmila Kanoria, who pioneered one of the first residency programs in India at the Kanoria Centre for Arts in Ahmedabad in 1984.

The architectural marvel of Hampi Art Labs is credited to Mumbai-based architect Sameep Padora and his studio sP+a, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at CEPT University in Ahmedabad. The center's design pays homage to its natural surroundings, incorporating organic forms and utilizing locally sourced materials such as soil, stone, and steel.

Tarini Jindal Handa, the Creative Director of Hampi Art Labs, emphasized its inclusive and artist-centric approach, fostering a cross-disciplinary environment for art creation and engaging with the region's rich heritage and artisanal legacy alongside India's contemporary art scene.

The inauguration of Hampi Art Labs on February 5th marks a significant milestone in the cultural and artistic landscape, promising to be a hub for creative exploration and cultural exchange.

HBL