Art leaders at SXSW London’s First Bangla House call cultural collaboration
Prominent cultural leaders from South Asia and the United Kingdom have argued that the traditional notion of a single cultural capital is losing relevance as artistic innovation, cultural dialogue, and creative exchange increasingly thrive through interconnected networks of cities, communities, and institutions.
During a panel discussion titled “Building the Next Art Capitals” at London’s Kobi Nazrul Centre on June 4, 2026, curators, art fair directors, and cultural entrepreneurs explored how partnerships and regional connections are transforming the cultural landscape across South Asia and beyond.
The conversation featured Fahd Sattar, founder and CEO of Aloki and co-founder of Art Dhaka; Jaya Asokan, Fair Director of India Art Fair; Meneesha Kellay, Senior Curator at V&A East; and Nour Aslam, founder and Executive Director of the Art South Asia Project. The session was convened and moderated by Nahar Khan, founder of Solis, a multi-platform initiative focused on strategic insights, culture, and convening.
Opening the discussion, speakers challenged the relevance of fixed cultural centres in an increasingly connected world. They noted that cultural influence now emerges through dynamic networks of artists, institutions, and communities rather than being concentrated in a single location.
Participants observed that South Asian artists are gaining greater visibility on the global stage, reflecting deeper cultural interconnectedness driven by migration, diaspora communities, and cross-border partnerships. These developments are helping shape a more diverse and globally engaged cultural environment.
Moving Beyond Traditional Cultural Capitals
Panelists highlighted that cultural significance is no longer tied to one dominant city. Instead, it is shaped by collaborative creative ecosystems that span multiple regions. South Asia, they argued, demonstrates this evolution, with artists contributing to international discourse while remaining rooted in local traditions and contexts.
Strengthening Cultural Infrastructure
The discussion underscored the need to build lasting cultural ecosystems that extend well beyond individual events.
Jaya Asokan explained how India Art Fair has grown from a commercial fair into a year-round platform encompassing residencies, educational initiatives, public programming, and regional partnerships.
Fahd Sattar shared Aloki’s journey from a former garment factory in Dhaka into a multidisciplinary cultural hub featuring a permanent gallery. Designed to connect artists, makers, patrons, and creative entrepreneurs, the space aims to nurture both artistic production and community engagement. He also noted that emerging cultural platforms enjoy the flexibility to develop structures tailored to their own cultural realities.
Building on this vision, Sattar announced the launch of Art Dhaka, a hybrid art fair scheduled for November 5–10, 2026, aimed at supporting and expanding Bangladesh’s contemporary art ecosystem.
Preserving Cultural Memory Through Research and Archives
Addressing the importance of continuity in the arts, Nour Aslam emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation across South Asia, pointing to the shared histories embedded in the region’s art, architecture, and craft traditions.
She argued that research, exhibitions, and archival initiatives play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural memory while reinforcing regional connections. Aslam also highlighted the value of bridging commercial and non-commercial sectors, noting that greater collaboration between the two can help create a more integrated and sustainable cultural environment.
Art Fairs and South Asia’s Global Narrative
Jaya Asokan observed that art fairs can reshape perceptions of cities and regions by engaging entire urban ecosystems rather than focusing solely on exhibition venues.
Such events, she said, attract international audiences, encourage meaningful cultural exchange, and stimulate broad public participation. By showcasing the depth of artistic talent across South Asia, art fairs help challenge outdated perceptions and position the region as a significant contributor to contemporary global culture.
Diaspora Communities and Creative Innovation
Meneesha Kellay reflected on her role as curator of the British Pavilion’s Dancing Before the Moon at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, which received a Special Mention for examining how diasporic rituals and cultural practices influence space, belonging, and the built environment.
She stressed the importance of recognising the contributions of diaspora communities to the cultural identity of cities. Referring to places such as Brick Lane, Kellay illustrated how everyday acts of gathering, celebration, and community-building can transform perceptions of architecture and public space.
She added that sustaining such work requires institutions and individuals willing to embrace innovation, challenge conventional approaches, and create opportunities for a wider range of cultural voices to be heard.
Shaping the Cultural Ecosystems of Tomorrow
The panel concluded that periods of change and uncertainty should be viewed as opportunities for growth and innovation.
As cultural institutions and audiences continue to evolve, the speakers agreed that experimentation, inclusivity, and international collaboration will be essential. Rather than emerging from a single city or institution, future cultural ecosystems will be built through partnerships, shared expertise, and a collective commitment to broadening participation in the arts.