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Sana Rezwan on Jaipur Art Week 2025

An incubator for emerging artists in South Asia

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Sana Rezwan’s journey through the art world is as dynamic and vibrant as the cultural landscapes she’s working to reshape. Raised in a family that champions both tradition and forward-thinking creativity, she has found a unique sweet spot where philanthropy, community engagement, and contemporary art intersect in meaningful and unexpected ways.

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Sana Rezwan

Taking on the role of cultural ambassador, Rezwan founded the Public Arts Trust of India (PATI), a non-profit committed to driving cultural initiatives across the country. Prior to this, she launched and led The Art Lab Studio in New York until 2022. It was during this time that she experienced firsthand the transformative power of art when it became part of everyday life. “Art isn’t just a decoration; it has the power to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and ignite social change,” she explains. This belief continues to shape and inspire her work back in India.

When Rezwan returned to India in 2021 and settled in Jaipur, she was struck by the glaring absence of contemporary art in the city’s public spaces. “Young, emerging artists had little to no access to contemporary art unless they traveled outside the state. I knew this had to change,” she reflects. The urgency of the moment felt even more pressing given that art and craftsmanship were the very soul of this three-century-old city. This realization sparked the founding of PATI in 2022—a non-profit with a bold mission to make art and culture more accessible, while bridging the gap between contemporary art and audiences from all walks of life.

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Jawahar Kala Kendra. Exhibition space of Jaipur Art Week 3.0, Image Courtesy Public Arts Trust of India.

One of PATI’s flagship initiatives is the Jaipur Art Week, held from January 27 to February 3. What started as a small project has blossomed into a vital platform for emerging artists, offering them invaluable exposure and the chance to connect with the global art community.

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Nandan Ghiya. Installation still of Varaha As a Labourer by Nandan Ghiya. Image Courtesy by the Artist.

The impact of PATI can be seen in its commitment to fostering grassroots initiatives that engage communities. A transformative project under its umbrella is the Creative Arts Education Program, developed in collaboration with Learning Through Arts Narrative and Discourse (LAND). This initiative aims to bring art exposure to government schools in Jodhpur, where opportunities for artistic engagement once barely existed. “Working with over 200 schoolchildren, we empower them to think critically about their culture and environment and create meaningful connections between art and community,” she explains. The positive outcomes have been evident, with increased school attendance and improved grades, showcasing how art can inspire and educate even the youngest members of society.

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Mansie Shah. Image still of Body Language by Mansie Shah. Image Courtesy by the Artist.

Mentorship and leadership are at the heart of Rezwan’s approach, deeply influenced by her father, Rezwan Razack. “His ability to balance a strong work ethic with compassion and care for those around him has been a guiding principle in how I have shaped PATI,” she shares. This philosophy is echoed in the advisory board that backs PATI, a group of individuals who embody the organization’s vision, inspiring a collaborative approach to the arts.

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Harshit Agrawal. Image still of (un)still life print by Harshit Agrawal. Image Courtesy by the Artist

Art strikes a deeply personal chord with Rezwan, with certain pieces leaving an indelible mark. One that stands out is Zarina Hashmi’s “Home Is a Foreign Place,” a poignant exploration of displacement and belonging. “It’s universal yet deeply personal,” she reflects, underscoring her belief that art transcends boundaries and connects us all.

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Nishant Ghiya. Image still of Idhar Udhar by Nishant Ghiya. Image Courtesy by the Artist.

The impact of initiatives like Jaipur Art Week goes far beyond just exhibitions—they serve as powerful catalysts for cultural dialogue. “Organizing these events and watching them grow has been incredibly rewarding,” she reflects. The upcoming Jaipur Art Week, themed “Avato Bairo Baje” translates to “The Thunderous Roar of an Impending Storm” captures the true meaning of anticipation and change, resonating loudly with the emerging voices in the art scene.

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Nishchay Thakur. Image still of Land-And-And-And by Nishchay Thakur. Image Courtesy by the Artist.

International collaborations are key to Rezwan’s efforts of bridging the gap between the Indian and global art scenes. “All of PATI’s international partnerships work to connect local and international artists with the community, creating opportunities for the cross-pollination of ideas,” she explains. One such initiative includes a residency program in Jodhpur, where international artists collaborate with local artisans and students. This dynamic exchange doesn’t just enrich the artistic landscape—it deepens the understanding of diverse cultural narratives, fostering a truly global dialogue.

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Wolf. Installation still of Locked In, 2023 by Wolf, Image Courtesy Public Arts Trust of India.

Looking ahead, Rezwan envisions ambitious plans for PATI and its initiatives. “For the Jaipur Art Week Edition 5.0 in 2026, we’re proud to announce that our Open Call Selection Jury will include prominent figures from the art community,” she reveals. This commitment to nurturing emerging talent and facilitating mentorship is vital for the future of contemporary art in India. As she develops new projects, she remains focused on creating spaces where bold ideas can flourish and artists can engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

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Ayushi Patni. Installation still of Altars and Altered States, 2023 by Ayushi Patni, Image Courtesy Public Arts Trust of India.

Rezwan’s vision for the future extends far beyond simply expanding the reach of art; she aims to redefine—and elevate—its role in society. She understands that art has the power to reflect the challenges we face while also offering solutions and sparking essential dialogue. Through PATI’s initiatives, she is working to create an ecosystem where art isn’t just an aesthetic pursuit, but a vital force within communities—one that fosters critical thinking, cultural exchange, and meaningful connection.

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Sana Rezwan

As Rezwan navigates the ever-evolving—and often exclusive—art world, she does so with a deep conviction: art should be for everyone. She believes that beyond its beauty, art has the power to ignite social change and help build a more inclusive society.

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