Past Forward: The Pleasure, Purpose and Practice of Arts Research is a three-day festival celebrating a decade of the Arts Research programme at IFA. It will host over 70 diverse projects that explore complex realities and imaginations, emphasising how the arts help register and respond to paradigmatic shifts while fostering hope and desire for the future. New ways of thinking and knowledge production offer a more nuanced understanding of the human condition. Arts Research, in particular, can shift values associated with these perspectives, forging a relationship with time by questioning the past and present and exploring unforeseen futures. Past Forward aims to examine methodological and disciplinary boundaries, highlight marginalised histories, and evoke alternative aesthetics. Attendees will meet artists, curators, researchers, and creative practitioners from across the country. The festival features conversations, book previews, workshops, exhibitions, films, panel discussions, and more. At Past Forward, participants celebrate the pleasure of researching, the practices of knowledge building, and the purposes of these practices in engaging with diverse cultural contexts. Check out more multiarts festivals here.
How To Reach Bengaluru
1. By Air: You can reach Bengaluru via air at Bengaluru International Airport, which is located at a distance of 40 km from the city.
2. By Rail: Bengaluru Railway Station is located in the heart of the city. Various trains from all over India come to Bengaluru, including the Mysore Express from Chennai, Karnataka Express from New Delhi and Udyan Express from Mumbai, which cover many major cities in between.
3. By Road: Bengaluru is connected to various other cities via major national highways. Buses from neighbouring states run on a regular basis to Bengaluru, and Bengaluru Bus Stand also runs various buses to major cities in South India.
Source: Goibibo




1. Woollens. Bengaluru during October is pleasantly cold, with temperatures ranging from 18°C-25°C.
2. A sturdy water bottle, if the festival has refillable water stations and the venue allows bottles to be taken inside.
3. Comfortable footwear. Sneakers (perfect option if it’s not likely to rain) or boots (but make sure they are worn in).
4. COVID packs: Hand sanitiser, extra masks and a copy of your vaccination certificate are things you should keep handy.





