NEW DELHI, October 21, 2026 — President Droupadi Murmu has urged institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen support for India's artistic community, highlighting the need to combine creative opportunities with financial assistance, professional guidance and access to wider markets.
Addressing the award ceremony of the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi, the President said that art reflects a country's culture, experiences and aspirations. She stressed that artists must receive the resources and opportunities necessary to improve their skills and compete at national and international levels.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Economic empowerment: President Murmu called for greater financial assistance and sustainable opportunities for artists.
Professional development: She stressed the importance of training, guidance and updated artistic skills.
Wider market access: Artists need stronger connections with collectors and broader audiences.
Representation across regions: Participants from metropolitan cities, smaller towns and northeastern regions contributed diverse perspectives.
Art beyond galleries: The President encouraged efforts to bring art into educational institutions, public spaces and communities.
The President highlighted the importance of helping artists adapt to changing times through additional training and professional guidance. She also pointed to the need for stronger connections between artists, art collectors and wider audiences so that creative work can reach beyond established exhibition spaces.
Artists from metropolitan cities, smaller towns and northeastern regions participated in the exhibition, reflecting the range of perspectives and experiences shaping India's contemporary artistic landscape.
Murmu also called for art to become more accessible to the public, encouraging efforts to bring artistic works into schools, universities, public spaces and other community settings.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The President's remarks highlight a central challenge facing many artists: creative recognition does not always translate into stable income or long-term professional opportunities. Improved access to training, buyers and exhibition platforms could help artists develop sustainable careers. Such support may be particularly valuable for emerging creators and those working far from major cultural centres. Expanding public access to art could also encourage cultural participation among students and communities while creating additional opportunities for artists to showcase their work. However, the address should be understood as a call for collective action, not as an announcement of a new funding scheme or a confirmed financial allocation.
Her address placed particular emphasis on the economic dimension of artistic careers. According to the President's remarks, creative opportunities alone may not be enough: artists also need financial support, access to buyers and platforms through which their work can reach larger audiences.
The ceremony was organised in connection with the 65th National Exhibition of Art and the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026. The event recognised artists and celebrated India's cultural diversity and evolving visual-art traditions.
