Returning for its second year, the NGV is hosting Indian Community Day on Saturday 24 June at NGV International. This free event features art, food, performance, dance, and music for the whole family to enjoy.
Visitors can enjoy Bollywood and Bolly Hip Hop dance performances and workshops with Sapphire Dance School as they recreate the energy of some of Indian cinema’s most iconic moments. A performance of Jugalbandi Indian Classical dance, choreographed by Sridevi Gopinath, will showcase four classical dance styles, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, on stage together. Under the stained-glass ceiling of the Great Hall, visitors can also experience live performances from tabla player Jay Dabgar and Bansuri flautist Subramanya Sastry. The Great Hall program of performances will be emceed by actor Puneet Gulati.
Highlighting the rich gastronomic culture of the subcontinent, chef and MasterChef Australia finalist, Kishwar Chowdhury has created two bespoke dishes inspired by her heritage and in celebration of Mumbai street-food favourites. The Bombay Sandwich features coriander chimmichuri, sliced potatoes, beetroot, tomato, cheese, a Bombay masala spice blend, and deep-fried chickpea vermicelli. Chowdhury’s Calcutta Cannoli riffs off much-loved Indian dessert flavours with a golden latte spiced crème patisserie and orange blossom ricotta Malai. These two dishes will be available in the Great Hall exclusively for Indian Community Day.
NGV curators of Asian Art will lead guided tours to explore the rich holdings of works from the Indian, South & South-East Asian Collection. From historical to contemporary art and intricate jewellery to vibrant textiles, the free 20-minute tours will spotlight the stories behind these important works in the NGV Collection.
In the NGV Clemenger Auditorium, visitors can experience the magic of Indian cinema with an exclusive screening of a family-friendly film selected by Indian Film Festival of Melbourne founder and director Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM.
Drop by drawing activities for children and families will introduce participants to the creative practices of two Melbourne–based artists, Georgia Morgan and Bushra Hasan. Bushra Hasan holds a degree in fine arts from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and since moving to Melbourne in 2013 has delivered a wide range of community art workshops, designed a vibrant art tram and produced life-sized puppets for Moomba Festival. Georgia Morgan is a multidisciplinary artist who draws on her heritage to produce large-scale installations, photography, video, painting and ceramics.
A panel discussion, Spotlight on Indian Creatives explores the panellists’ connections with India while living in Australia through their various creative practices. Hosted by Manpreet Singh, the panellists include chef Kishwar Chowdhury, filmmaker and producer Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Melbourne-based visual artist Bushra Hasan, and photographic artist Anu Kumar.
NGV Indian Community Day will take place from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 24 June at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Free entry. Further information is available via the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE.
All photos supplied by NGV.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
