Ahead of her upcoming India tour, musician Anoushka Shankar is making waves in the art world. A unique participatory installation inspired by her track "New Dawn" will debut in Mumbai this month. This artwork promises to blend music, community, and philanthropy in a powerful display.
Art Meets Music for a Cause
The installation, titled "New Dawn 2," emerges from a creative collaboration. Howareyoufeeling.studio, the artistic duo of Doyel Joshi and Neil Ghose Balser, worked directly with Anoushka Shankar to bring this vision to life. They conducted special workshops with partner NGOs, engaging children in a meaningful artistic process.
During these sessions, the young participants responded to a simple yet profound prompt: "a new dawn." Their imaginative creations, drawings, and expressions formed the heart of the installation. Several pieces from these children now integrate seamlessly into the larger artwork, giving it a deeply personal and communal touch.
Exhibition Details and Charitable Mission
"New Dawn 2" will find its home within the "HeartWorks 2026" exhibition in Mumbai. Falguni Sheth-Kapadia, founder of My Open Muse, initiated this charitable showcase. The event will take place at IFBE in Ballard Estate on January 16 and 17.
While the Shankar-inspired installation itself is not for sale, the exhibition features over 100 other artworks available for purchase. This includes photographs, tribal art, folk practices, and contemporary pieces. A significant portion of the proceeds from these sales will directly support various NGOs and their diverse causes.
Artist Lineup and Curatorial Vision
The "HeartWorks 2026" exhibition boasts an impressive roster of contributing artists. Visitors can expect works from renowned names like Jagannath Panda, Seema Kohli, Ankon Mitra, Manish Pushkale, Jangarh Singh Shyam, and Lado Bai. The collection spans multiple mediums, offering something for every art enthusiast.
Falguni Sheth-Kapadia explained the exhibition's genesis. "This collection came together through a collaboration with Iram Art and curator Satyajit Dave," she noted. "We curated over 250 artworks from more than 75 talented artists and photographers. They generously contributed their pieces to amplify HeartWorks' mission of compassion and change."
She emphasized the diversity of the collection, which includes masters' works, contemporary art, tribal and folk art, and photography. This blend creates a powerful and cohesive body of work dedicated to making a difference.
Personal Reflections and Impact
Anoushka Shankar shared her thoughts on an earlier version of the installation showcased at the Brighton Festival 2025 in England. In a social media post last year, she expressed her amazement. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined, back when I was titling the closing track of 'How Dark It Is Before Dawn,' that this simplest of phrases could take on another life in this way," she wrote.
Shankar added, "This experience has only served to deepen my belief that this is true—that no matter how dark the night gets, sunrise will come. We must only turn our faces towards its rays." Her words highlight the hopeful message at the core of both her music and this artistic project.
Rachana Darda, co-founder of HeartWorks, also reflected on the initiative's significance. "When Falguni first shared the idea of My Open Muse and HeartWorks with me, I felt something shift," Darda said. "It was as if all my years as an artist, photographer, and all the community work I've poured my heart into were leading me to this moment. This is a way to give back on a larger, more meaningful scale."
The "HeartWorks 2026" exhibition represents more than just an art show. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and compassion. By bringing together established artists, community contributions, and charitable goals, it aims to inspire change and support worthy causes across India.
