BMW Group India Partners with India Art Fair 2026: Concept Speedtop & ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission
BMW Group India has announced its return as the presenting partner for the 17th edition of the India Art Fair, scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 February 2026 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi. This year’s participation is particularly significant as it marks a decade of the brand’s enduring commitment to cultural engagement in India.
A Decade of Culture and Innovation
The 2026 edition represents a double milestone: ten years of partnership between BMW Group India and the India Art Fair, and five years of the ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, emphasized that this partnership reflects the company’s belief that culture, creativity, and innovation are essential pillars of progress. The collaboration aims to nurture an ecosystem where art and innovation drive transformation for both the automotive world and society at large.
(L-R) Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair and Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India
2026 ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission
A central highlight of the fair is the ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission, which champions emerging Indian artists on a global stage. The 2026 winner is Afrah Shafiq, whose work ‘A Giant Sampler’ is displayed across the fair’s façade for the first time.
Themed ‘Crafting in Continuum’, Shafiq’s installation reimagines progress as a harmonious coexistence of handcraft traditions, digital systems, and the human touch. The artwork draws on textile practices and embroidery motifs linked to women’s histories. It integrates an Augmented Reality (AR) experience that invites visitors to engage with narratives of movement, memory, and transformation. Notably, the installation renders the BMW wheel in cross-stitch, establishing it as a symbol of precision and cyclical change that connects the brand’s heritage with artistic innovation.
Afrah Shafiq joins a prestigious list of previous commission winners, including Sashikanth Thavudoz (2024), Devika Sundar (2023), and Faiza Hasan (2022).
(L-R) Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair and Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India
Exclusive Showcase: BMW Concept Speedtop
Automotive enthusiasts and collectors will find the BMW Concept Speedtop on exclusive display at the BMW Collectors Lounge. This vehicle embodies the fusion of art, design, and performance, powered by BMW’s most powerful V8 engine.
The car features a striking shark-nose front, an illuminated kidney grille, and a distinctive Touring profile. The exterior design is highlighted by a roof gradient that shifts from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver. Inside, the cabin showcases craftsmanship from BMW’s Dingolfing plant, featuring two-tone leather in Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White.
(L-R) Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair and Afrah Shafiq, Winner of The Future is Born of Art Commission
Strictly limited to 70 units worldwide, the Concept Speedtop offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a masterpiece that includes bespoke luggage created in collaboration with Italian leather specialist Schedoni.
Expanding the Artistic Footprint
The India Art Fair 2026 is set to be the broadest showcase yet, welcoming 26 new exhibitors and a record total of 135 exhibitors. The event continues its mission to highlight compelling voices from South Asia alongside major international artists and collectible design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where is the India Art Fair 2026 taking place? The 17th edition of the India Art Fair will be held from 5-8 February 2026 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi.
What is the ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission? It is an initiative by BMW Group India and India Art Fair to champion emerging Indian artists. The 2026 winner is Afrah Shafiq, who created the immersive installation ‘A Giant Sampler’.
Which unique car is BMW showcasing at the 2026 fair? BMW is showcasing the BMW Concept Speedtop, a limited-edition vehicle powered by a V8 engine, featuring bespoke design elements like a shark-nose front and a gradient roof.
How many units of the BMW Concept Speedtop are available? The BMW Concept Speedtop is limited to just 70 units worldwide.
Who are the organizers of the India Art Fair? The fair is owned and operated by Angus Montgomery Arts (AMA) and is considered the leading platform for modern and contemporary art from South Asia.
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