HeartWorks Art Charity Exhibition Makes Its Debut in Mumbai
A vibrant new art exhibition opens its doors in South Mumbai this week. HeartWorks 2026 launches as a two-day event on January 16 and 17. The exhibition takes place at IF.BE in Ballard Estate. This initiative blends artistic expression with meaningful philanthropy.
Artists and Artworks on Display
Visitors can view more than 175 artworks created by over 75 talented artists. The lineup includes prominent names like Kishen Khanna, Himmat Shah, and Ram Kumar. Thota Vaikuntham, Seema Kohli, and Ankon Mitra also contribute their pieces. Each artist participates by donating a portion of their work to support charitable causes.
Supporting Social Causes Through Art
Proceeds from the exhibition will directly benefit more than ten women-led non-governmental organizations. These NGOs work in diverse areas. Their efforts span children's welfare and senior care. They also focus on women's empowerment and animal protection. Rural development and environmental conservation complete their wide-ranging missions.
Curator Satyajit Dave leads the exhibition's artistic vision. IRAM Art and IF.BE partner to present the event. Organizers describe HeartWorks as a "circle of giving." This model involves artists donating work, patrons acquiring pieces, and NGOs using the funds for real-world impact.
Special Highlights and Interactive Experiences
One major attraction is the India debut of New Dawn II. This interactive art experience comes from Mumbai-based Howareyoufeeling.studio. Founders Doyel Joshi and Neil Ghose Balser created it with Grammy-nominated musician Anoushka Shankar. The work offers a multi-sensory dimension, encouraging emotional engagement alongside visual appreciation.
The exhibition also features A New Dawn II by How Are You Feeling Studio. This piece involves collaboration with over 3500 students from various NGOs. It adds a community-driven element to the opening edition.
Personal Inspiration Behind the Initiative
For one of the founders, HeartWorks began as a personal mission. "For my 50th birthday, I wanted to find a powerful way of giving back," she shared. "Seeing this first edition come alive has shown me how generous the world can be when we create with purpose."
Co-founder Rachana Darda echoed these sentiments. She described HeartWorks as "not just a fundraiser, but an offering, an invitation to be part of something bigger than ourselves." Another organizer, Shilpa Bhagat, emphasized the shared commitment to empathy and tangible change, especially for women-led groups.
A Long-Term Movement for Creative Philanthropy
Organizers position this first edition as the launch of a sustained movement. HeartWorks aims to merge creative freedom with purposeful philanthropy over the long term. The exhibition brings together artists, patrons, and non-profits in a collective effort. Their goal is to foster social impact through the power of art.
The event showcases works like The Rest by Jagannath Panda, adding to the diverse artistic offerings. With its focus on charity and community, HeartWorks sets a new precedent for art exhibitions in Mumbai.
