Govandi Arts Festival was part of the ‘India/UK Together, a Season of Culture’. The season celebrates and strengthens the bilateral relationship, friendship and vibrant cultural bonds between the two countries and also marks India’s 75th anniversary. UK-based Lamplighter Arts CIC and Streets Reimagined were other partners of the festival.

The event culminated a six-month mentorship program wherein 45 young individuals in Govandi underwent transformative mentorships by Mumbai-based renowned artists in theatre, filmmaking, photography, public art and rap.

With an impressive turnout, the festival saw an enthusiastic response from the public, providing an awe-inspiring platform for the gifted young mentees to showcase their extraordinary talent.

Over the course of five days, the visitors got to witness different forms of art made by Govandi residents, broadening their understanding of the lives of those living on the margins. The Lamplighters parade, conducted by artists from Lamplighters (UK), was also one of the main highlights of the event.

The festival ended on a high note with multiple workshops and a performance by the theatre mentorship group of the play ‘Haq Se Govandi’ - written by them and directed by acclaimed actor Niharika Lyra Dutt.