Indian creatives are taking over Sydney this month

Two of Sydney’s major events for October, SXSW and Sculpture by the Sea, have both announced sizeable showcases for India’s creative scene.

Indian musicians and artists are front and centre at Sydney’s lifestyle events this month. While SXSW Sydney has curated a dedicated (and free) one-day showcase with more than seven Indian musicians, the long-running Sculpture by the Sea has also shown love to the subcontinent by featuring works from some of the country’s most prominent artists.

It’s rare for any one nation to have such a significant showcase across two major events in Sydney. However, curation always reflects current trends and demand, indicating a rise in interest amongst local art lovers for both traditional and contemporary Indian culture.

Sculpture by the Sea, which kicks off this Friday, October 18, always prides itself on its wide scope of artists from around the world, providing a substantial platform to works from countries like Ukraine, Japan and India. The latter two get a big showing this year, with both Japan and India represented by several artists from each country.

Given the festival represents sculptors from 16 countries this year, focusing on India gives this year’s event a distinctive edge. In total, there will be 10 artworks by 8 artists, including Scaffolds by the Sea by Professor Avantika Bawa, Pillar by Teja Gavankar and Hybrid Drawing by Ayesha Singh.

“The Indian showcase demonstrates the strength and diversity of sculpture in India, and we hope it represents the next stage of our exhibition’s relationship with India,” offered Sculpture by the Sea director David Handley, who notes the challenges of importing these artworks from India due to this year’s cyclones causing significant disruptions to freight.

While Indian artists dominate Sculpture by the Sea, Indian musicians will be a major presence for SXSW Sydney. The 10-day festival, which kicked off earlier this year, is planning a +91 calling showcase for its hub at Tumbalong Park. From 12:30pm to 6:30pm, the Main Stage will flow with the energy of some of the most popular Indian artists in the world right now, spanning hip hop, pop, R&B, club music and indie rock.

Four artists from India (Mali, Kavya Trehan, Prabh Deep, KRSNA) will join Australian-based Indian artists Tushar and SHRETA, and Singapore’s Yung Raja, will take to the stage throughout the day. Given SXSW is mostly hinged on discovery, we’re expecting this to be one of the highlights of the mega-festival.