India Art Fair’s new initiative to unveil an artistic chapter in Hyderabad

The India Art Fair (IAF) steps into Hyderabad’s art circuit with its new initiative, IAF EDI+IONS — a series of city-specific exhibitions. The two-day showcase, held at RMZ The Loft, HITEC City, on November 1 and 2, will feature a curated mix of modern and contemporary art alongside a limited-edition design collection.

Of tradition and modernity

“Hyderabad has been on our radar for a while,” says Jaya Asokan, Director of the India Art Fair (IAF), explaining the decision to bring IAF Editions to the city. “The city beautifully balances history with innovation — it’s deeply rooted in its cultural traditions yet constantly reinventing itself. Over the past few years, we’ve seen remarkable growth in its art ecosystem — from galleries and foundations to collectors and patrons who are actively engaging with contemporary art.”

The curation, Jaya says, was shaped by Hyderabad itself — its balance of tradition and modernity, and its openness to innovation. The display celebrates diversity and is “intentionally cross-disciplinary.” “It mirrors how creative practices in India are evolving — drawing from local craft traditions while engaging with the global contemporary landscape,” she explains.

Visitors can explore works across multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and design, by both established and emerging Indian artists. “Guided walkthroughs and art tours are designed to foster dialogue between artists, collectors, and visitors. It’s an intimate format aimed at deepening engagement while retaining the fair’s curatorial rigour,” adds Jaya.

While it is heartening to see “remarkable progress in the quality of exhibitions, scale of participation, and the way collectors acquire work,” Jaya says the focus now is on building stronger regional networks, supporting young artists, and sustaining the global momentum of South Asian art. “The challenge is to keep evolving — to stay relevant in an art world that’s constantly shifting. Our mission has always been to serve as a bridge between local and global audiences, and every new initiative brings us one step closer to that goal.”

The India Art Fair Contemporary, which was initially scheduled to be held in Mumbai in November 2025, will not go ahead in its earlier format. “Instead,” Jaya explains, “We ae channelling our efforts into a more integrated approach — building meaningful collaborations with institutions and partners across multiple cities, ensuring that IAF continues to connect regional creativity with international dialogue.”

That’s how IAF Editions, a new curatorial initiative, has been conceived — to travel across cities, beginning with Hyderabad this year. “The idea is not to replicate the same model everywhere, but to adapt and respond to each place — its artists, galleries, collectors, and audiences — in ways that feel relevant and meaningful,” says Jaya. “If Hyderabad wants us back, we will be back. But the intention of IAF Editions is to create a network of interconnected gatherings across India — each distinct in character, yet united by a shared vision: to strengthen regional ecosystems and widen the global conversation around South Asian art and design.”

With IAF EDI+IONS, a series of curated showcases across India, the India Art Fair aims to expand its regional footprint and celebrate the best of art and culture from across South Asia.

IAF EDI+IONS Hyderabad opens at RMZ The Loft, Hyderabad, November 1–2 November; The 17th edition of India Art Fair follows at NSIC Grounds, New Delhi, February 5–8, 2026.