

Govandi Arts Festival is a community-led arts and culture movement in Mumbai’s Govandi that reclaims, transforms, and celebrates the socio-spatial narrative of marginalised neighbourhoods through performative and visual arts. Emerging from long-term arts-led work in the Natwar Parekh Compound resettlement colony, the festival platforms youth, women, and transgender artists through mentoring programmes, residencies, exhibitions, performances, films, and workshops. Co-created by Community Design Agency (India) with UK partners Lamplighter Arts CIC and Streets Reimagined, it uses art to challenge stigma, build local leadership, and connect Govandi’s stories with audiences across Mumbai and beyond.




