The Bombay Art Society (BAS), one of the oldest and most prestigious non-profit art institutions in the Asian subcontinent, is set to present its 133rd All India Annual Art Exhibition from March 11 to March 17, 2025, at Jehangir Art Gallery. The exhibition will be inaugurated on March 11, 2025, at 5pm at Jehangir Art Gallery. Founded in 1888, BAS has continuously promoted visual arts for 137 years, making this exhibition a significant platform for emerging and established artists across India.
The annual BAS exhibition, which first began in 1888, is the longest-running art exhibition in India and is considered a major talent hunt for young and promising artists. This year, 265 outstanding artworks have been meticulously selected from 2,500 entries received from across the country, through a rigorous process involving art experts. Additionally, the artworks of four scholarship recipients will also be showcased at the exhibition.
Grand Inauguration & Prestigious Felicitations
The event will be graced by Padma Shri Awardees Shri Vasudeo Kamath and Shri Achyut Palav, who will be felicitated in the presence of hundreds of artists and dignitaries.
A key highlight of the event is the Roopdhar Lifetime Achievement Award, which the Bombay Art Society has been conferring for the past twenty years to recognize exceptional contributions to visual arts. This year, the honor will be bestowed upon Prof. Pramodbabu Ramteke, along with a citation and a cash prize. The award will be presented at the exhibition’s inauguration ceremony.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
The All India Annual Art Exhibition has been a landmark event in the country’s visual arts scene since its inception. Initially a key event in western India, it now attracts artists from across the nation, including Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Through the years, the Bombay Art Society has played an instrumental role in nurturing artists who later gained national and international recognition, including J. P. Ganguly, Amrita Sher-Gil, S. L. Haldankar, K. K. Hebbar, N. S. Bendre, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, Jatin Das, Prabhakar Kolte, and many others.
Speaking about this year’s event, Mr. Rajendra Patil, President of the Bombay Art Society, remarked, “The Bombay Art Society Annual Exhibition is not just an art show; it is a tradition that has nurtured the finest talents in Indian art. We are committed to providing a world-class platform for emerging artists, and this year’s exhibition is a testament to the incredible creative energy present in India today.”
BAS Art Complex: A Hub for Artistic Excellence
The Bombay Art Society, granted 10,000 sq. ft. of land by the Maharashtra State Government, has established a grand art complex at Bandra Reclamation, opposite Hotel Rangsharda. The facility houses three art galleries, an amphitheater, and an art library, making it a vital addition to Mumbai’s cultural infrastructure. The venue supports art exhibitions, residencies, film screenings, workshops, educational activities, and live demonstrations, serving as a dynamic space for artists and enthusiasts alike.
With 46 awards to be distributed across various categories such as paintings, sculptures, graphics, and photography, the 133rd Annual Art Exhibition promises to be an unmissable event for the art community and patrons of visual arts.
The Bombay Art Society continues its journey of 137 years, remaining at the forefront of India’s visual arts movement, fostering new talents, and preserving the rich artistic heritage of the country.
Venue: Jehangir Art Gallery
When: 5pm, March 11-17, 2025
