BMW‘s Return as Presenting Partner
Gurugram/Munich. BMW Group India is set to return as the presenting partner for the 17th edition of the India Art Fair, taking place from 5 – 8 February 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 the premier platform for modern and contemporary art from India and South Asia, featuring a record 135 exhibitors, including 94 commercial galleries, alongside major regional and international art institutions.
A Record-Breaking Showcase
The fair will introduce 26 new exhibitors, making it the broadest showcase to date. It continues its mission to highlight compelling practices and voices from South Asia while integrating major contemporary international 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 decade-long partnership with India Art Fair reflects our belief that culture, creativity, and innovation are key pillars of progress. Through ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission and our presence here, we celebrate the power of artistic expression in shaping a sustainable future.” He added that the BMW Concept Speedtop on display exemplifies the convergence of design, technology, and craftsmanship.
‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission
In its tenth year of collaboration with the India Art Fair and fifth year of ‘The Future is Born of 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 across the fair’s façade for the first time.
Afrah Shafiq’s Vision
Shafiq’s installation reimagines progress as a continuum, merging handcraft traditions, digital systems, and human touch. It incorporates embroidery motifs and textile practices tied to women’s histories, 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 with artistic innovation.
Previous Winners and Their Impact
As part of the prestigious ‘Future is Born of Art’ Commission, Shafiq joins a roster of notable past 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 kidney grille, flowing central spline, and Touring profile create a commanding presence. The dramatic roof gradient transitions from Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver, complemented by bespoke two-tone wheels.
Interior Luxury and Performance
Inside, the luxurious cabin showcases precise craftsmanship from BMW’s Dingolfing plant, featuring brogue style detailing and two-tone leather in Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White. The ambient light beam is inspired by the exterior spline, while the leather-finished trunk is designed for multi-day journeys.
Exclusivity in Design
A collaboration with Italian leather specialist Schedoni has resulted in bespoke luggage and behind-seat storage, highlighting the concept’s exclusivity. 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.
BMW’s Cultural Engagement History
The BMW Group has 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 Ahead
As BMW Group India and the India Art Fair celebrate ten years of partnership and five years of ‘The Future is Born of 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
