Barbican announces free weekend for landmark exhibition on Indian art and culture

The Barbican offers free entry to ‘The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998’ on 26-27 October, alongside the Darbar Festival and a film programme on Indian cinema.

The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998. Installation view. Barbican Art Gallery. 5 October 2024 – 5 January 2025. © Eva Herzog Studio / Barbican Art Gallery.

The Barbican Centre has announced a weekend of free entry to its landmark exhibition, The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October. This special weekend is part of a Centre-wide celebration of Indian arts, music, and culture, coinciding with the Darbar Festival of Indian classical music and the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali. The exhibition, which explores a transformative period of cultural and political change in India, showcases multidisciplinary works from 30 artists, including 150 pieces, many of which are being displayed in the UK for the first time.

The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998. Installation view. Barbican Art Gallery. 5 October 2024 – 5 January 2025. © Eva Herzog Studio / Barbican Art Gallery.

In conjunction with the exhibition, curator Shai Heredia will introduce This Bit of India, a programme of experimental short films exploring themes of youth culture, feminism, and urbanisation. This film series is part of a broader three-month season, Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970, curated by Dr Omar Ahmed. It highlights the bold work of a new generation of Indian filmmakers from the 1970s to the 1990s, whose films were deeply engaged with social and political issues. This cinematic offering complements the artistic exploration of The Imaginary Institution of India, creating a rich, interconnected dialogue between visual arts and film.

The Darbar Festival, now in its 19th year, will also run at the Barbican from 24 to 27 October, celebrating Indian classical music. From emerging talents to renowned icons, the festival will feature concerts in the Barbican Hall, Milton Court, and across public spaces, along with a pop-up market offering goods from independent businesses. Attendees can also engage in wellness activities, including yoga with live music, breathwork, and guided meditation

Date: Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 October 2024. Location: Barbican Art Gallery , Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS. Price: Free. Tickets for this weekend will be released on Thursday 10 October. barbican.org.uk.