BMW returns as the main partner
Gurugram/Munich. BMW Group India is ready to return as the main partner for the 17th edition of the India Art Fair, which will take place from February 5 to 8, 2026, at the NSIC exhibition grounds in New Delhi. This event marks ten years of the brand’s commitment to cultural engagement in India. The India Art Fair serves as a premier platform for modern and contemporary art from India and South Asia, featuring a record number of 135 exhibitors, including 94 commercial galleries, alongside major regional and international art institutions.
A Record Showcase
The fair will present 26 new exhibitors, making it the widest showcase to date. It continues its mission to highlight captivating practices and voices from South Asia while integrating major international contemporary artists and collectible design. This reaffirms its status as a leading site for discovering art and culture in the region.
Commitment to Art and Innovation
Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, commented: “Our ten-year partnership with the India Art Fair reflects our belief that culture, creativity, and innovation are key pillars of progress. Through the ‘The Future is Born from Art’ Commission and our presence here, we celebrate the power of artistic expression in building a sustainable future.” He added that the BMW Concept Speedtop on display illustrates the convergence of design, technology, and craftsmanship.
‘The Future is Born from Art’ Commission
In its tenth year of collaboration with the India Art Fair and its fifth year of the ‘The Future is Born from Art’ Commission, BMW Group India continues to support emerging Indian artists on a global platform. The 2026 Commission, themed ‘Crafting in Continuum’, has been awarded to Afrah Shafiq for her immersive installation ‘A Giant Sampler’, which will be prominently displayed on the fair’s facade for the first time.
Afrah Shafiq’s Vision
Shafiq’s installation reimagines progress as a continuum, merging craft traditions, digital systems, and human touch. It incorporates embroidery patterns and textile practices related to women’s stories, offering an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience that engages visitors with layered narratives of memory and transformation. The BMW wheel, represented in cross-stitch, serves as a contemporary emblem of precision and cyclical change, linking the brand’s heritage to artistic innovation.
Previous Winners and Their Impact
As part of the prestigious ‘The Future is Born from Art’ Commission, Shafiq joins a list of notable winners, including Non-Linear (Dennis Peter), Cursorama (Yash Chandak), Sashikanth Thavudoz, Devika Sundar, and Faiza Hasan. These artists have previously explored themes of community, materiality, and ecology through their visionary works.
BMW Concept Speedtop: A Showcase of Craftsmanship
The BMW Concept Speedtop represents a bold fusion of art, design, and innovation. Its striking shark-nose front, illuminated grille, fluid central spline, and Touring profile create a commanding presence. The dramatic roof gradient transitions from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver, complemented by custom two-tone wheels.
Interior Luxury and Performance
Inside, the luxurious cabin showcases precise craftsmanship from BMW’s Dingolfing plant, featuring brogue-style details and two-tone leather in Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White. The ambient light beam is inspired by the exterior spline, while the leather trunk is designed for multi-day journeys.
Exclusivity in Design
A collaboration with Italian leather specialist Schedoni has resulted in custom luggage and storage behind the seats, highlighting the exclusivity of the concept. Powered by BMW’s most powerful V8 engine, the Concept Speedtop combines dramatic aesthetics with exhilarating performance. Only 70 units will be produced worldwide, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own an automotive masterpiece.
History of BMW’s Cultural Commitment
The BMW Group has been engaged in numerous global cultural initiatives for over 50 years. From music and film to architecture and design, contemporary art has played a vital role through partnerships with major museums and art fairs worldwide. In India, BMW has been involved in significant cultural engagements since 2007, showcasing Art Cars by renowned artists at various editions of the India Art Fair.
Looking to the Future
As BMW Group India and the India Art Fair celebrate ten years of partnership and five years of the ‘The Future is Born from Art’ Commission in 2026, this milestone underscores their shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and sustainability at the intersection of art, design, and technology.
© BMW Group
