The vision is to make NGMA a world-class centre for modern and contemporary Indian art that is artist-friendly, globally relevant, and community-connected. In a freewheeling discussion with APAC Media, Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director, National Gallery of Modern Arts, Ministry of Culture, outlines how NGMA can shape cultural discourse, empower artists, and ensure that our artistic heritage remains vibrant and accessible for coming generations.
As Director of NGMA, how do you envision the role of modern art in shaping India’s cultural narrative today?
Modern art serves as a dynamic lens through which we interpret our past, question our present, and imagine our future. In India, where traditions are deeply rooted, modern art provides a powerful medium to engage with contemporary social, political, and ecological issues while still drawing from our rich cultural heritage.
At NGMA, we see modern art as a living, breathing dialogue—a vital thread in the ever-evolving fabric of India’s cultural narrative.
How does NGMA plan to expand its outreach to younger and more diverse audiences across India?
We are actively working to reimagine NGMA as a more inclusive and participatory space. Our education and outreach departments are expanding collaborations with schools, colleges, and grassroots art collectives. We are introducing youth-centric workshops, interactive exhibitions, mobile museum initiatives, and vernacular-language programming to ensure that art reaches beyond urban elites and resonates with the lived experiences of young Indians across diverse geographies.
We invited more than 3000 students from tribal ashramshalas of Maharashtra, students from municipal schools, government-run schools and colleges, orphanages and specially abled children also. The idea has been to make the doors of NGMA open to every art lover and make more and more youth appreciate art for art’s sake.
Can you highlight some landmark exhibitions or programmes recently hosted by NGMA that reflect India’s evolving modern art identity?
Recently, the NGMA organised very interesting exhibitions titled Chitrakavyam Ramayanam and Shakti which were deeply Indian in ethos. Exhibitions like Nabhsparsh showcased the work of 150 female printmakers from all across the country.
THE NGMA TREASURE was a show of NGMA’s own collection focusing on the Bombay Progressive Group. These exhibitions reflect how Indian modern art is embracing plurality while remaining deeply relevant.
In what ways is NGMA incorporating technology and digital media to make art more accessible to the public?
Technology has become integral to our outreach. We are digitising collections, creating 360-degree virtual records of our exhibitions, and launching an immersive show of our collection on the iconic dome of the NGMA building. We are in the process of creating a digitally integrated souvenir shop for a much better experience for the visitors.
We have recently enhanced our presence on social media platforms and are sharing about our activities through group emails, WhatsApp broadcasting channel, etc. We are upgrading our website to engage actively with the visitors. Social media campaigns, artist-led video walkthroughs, and live-streamed events help us bridge the gap between the gallery and the public. We are also exploring the potential of AI and augmented reality to engage a tech-savvy generation.
How is NGMA supporting lesser-known or emerging Indian artists across the country?
Supporting emerging voices is central to our mission. Through open calls, residencies, and curated group exhibitions, we provide platforms to talented artists who may not yet have commercial representation.
We have also begun regional outreach programs and mentorship initiatives to identify and nurture promising artists from non-metropolitan areas, ensuring equitable visibility across the creative landscape.
How does NGMA collaborate with other national and international institutions to promote Indian modern art globally?
Collaboration is key to our vision. We regularly partner with institutions like the Tate, MoMA, AF Bombay, INTACH, ICCR and the embassies for organising travelling exhibitions and cultural events focusing on other countries.
Recently we organised a show on French Currency titled “Beyond the Face Value” and we are in the process of organising shows in collaboration with the embassies of Panama, Poland and Thailand in the coming months.
Domestically, we work with regional museums, archives, and universities to co-create content and exhibitions. These partnerships allow Indian modern art to participate in global conversations while also bringing the world to Indian audiences.
How aligned is NGMA’s work with the broader cultural priorities of the Ministry of Culture?
We work closely with the Ministry of Culture to ensure alignment with national cultural goals—especially in areas like heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy, and access to the arts. NGMA’s programmes often contribute directly to initiatives such as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and the promotion of India’s soft power globally.
What inspired you personally to take up a leadership role in the arts and culture sector?
Art has always been a refuge, a mirror, and a compass for me. I applied for Central Deputation and I consider myself fortunate that the Government of India posted me as Director in NGMA, Mumbai.
Coming from a background in public service and creative practice, I feel a deep responsibility to bridge the gap between institutions and communities. Leading NGMA offers a unique opportunity to shape cultural discourse, empower artists, and ensure that our artistic heritage remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Looking ahead, what are your key priorities or dreams for NGMA in the next five years?
Our vision is to make NGMA a world-class centre for modern and contemporary Indian art—artist-friendly, globally relevant, and community-connected. We are addressing all issues pertaining to civil infrastructure. From getting the stairs repaired to getting the elevator changed, from having better public toilets to a better experience of souvenir and publication facilities, our aim is to make the visitor experience better.
We are also focusing on expanding our digital infrastructure, establishing new regional collaborations, fostering deeper coordination with embassies, and making NGMA a vibrant cultural centre for the city of Mumbai. Above all, we hope to make NGMA a space where every Indian feels a sense of ownership and inspiration.
