Tickets are now on sale for The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998 and its accompanying film programme, Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970. London’s Barbican Centre is delighted to announce a special weekend of free entry to this landmark exhibition on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October. Coinciding with the widely-celebrated Darbar Festival of Indian classical music (24 – 27 October), visitors can enjoy Indian arts and culture from across the Barbican’s diverse programme on the eve of the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, and the Sikh celebration Bandi Chor Divas.
The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998 is the world’s first exhibition to explore and chart a period of profound cultural and political change in India. Through the multidisciplinary work of 30 artists and 150 pieces of art, many of which have never been shown in the UK before, visitors across 26 and 27 October can delve into this rich and complex history as the Barbican opens its doors for free access to this blockbuster exhibition. General tickets are on sale now, and booking for this special weekend of free entry will open on Thursday 10 October 2024.
Over the same weekend, in the Cinemas, curator Shai Heredia will introduce a series of experimental shorts, This Bit of India, which explores youth culture, feminism, and urbanisation. This programme is part of the wider 3-month season Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 which has been specially curated by Dr Omar Ahmed in dialogue with the Gallery exhibition. The season spotlights the innovative work of a new wave of filmmakers in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, whose films were socially minded and politically committed.
The Darbar Festival of Indian classical music is now in its 19th year and will be taking place at the Barbican Hall and Milton Court Concert Hall from October 24 to 27. It will also extend to the venue’s foyers and public spaces. The festival will feature a wide range of Indian musical talent, from emerging artists to world-renowned icons. In addition to the music, there will be a pop-up market showcasing various independent businesses and offering free concerts. The event aims to create an immersive Indian cultural experience, including wellbeing sessions such as yoga with live music, breathwork, sacred sound baths, mantra sessions, and guided meditation.
For more information, visit our Barbican Website
Anindo and Anubratta Chatterjee credit: Sana Sohoni. Image provided courtesy of the Barbican
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