Mumbai, September 11, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening the cultural infrastructure of Navi Mumbai, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Government of Maharashtra through CIDCO for the development of a dedicated Art District at Sector 24, Central Park, Kharghar. CIDCO will make available approximately 4 hectares of land for the project.

The proposed Art District will feature art galleries, cultural institutions, artist studios and residencies, art storage facilities, and spaces for art education, along with allied infrastructure supporting the creative economy. It is envisioned as a vibrant platform for artists, cultural institutions, art students, and citizens, promoting Indian art and culture and encouraging cultural exchange.

The Art District is expected to contribute significantly to the creative economy and generate opportunities for young professionals in the fields of art and design. It will also facilitate greater interaction among artists, cultural institutions and the public, strengthening the wider cultural ecosystem of Navi Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The ceremony was attended by:

1. Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India;
2. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra;
3. Shri Kiran Kulkarni, Secretary, Culture, Government of Maharashtra;
4. Shri Ashwin Mudgal, IAS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, CIDCO;
5. Smt. Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai;
6. Shri Shantanu Goel, IAS, Joint Managing Director, CIDCO.

Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, said, “This MoU is a pivotal milestone in strengthening Maharashtra’s cultural ecosystem. Through a Public-Private Partnership model, we aim to bring together premier art houses, galleries and cultural institutions to develop a dedicated Art District that nurtures visual and performing arts and encourages long-term investment in culture.”

Smt. Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director, NGMA Mumbai, said, “This landmark MoU marks a transformative step for Maharashtra’s artistic community, backed by strong institutional support from both the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra. Maharashtra has immense artistic potential, and NGMA being fully booked through 2030 reflects the growing response from artists and stakeholders. This partnership will further strengthen opportunities for the art community.”

The project will be developed in a phased manner, with Phase I to be undertaken by the Ministry of Culture. The Art District is envisaged to commence operations within three years from the signing of the MoU.

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YashRane / DIneshYadav

 

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