The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026: A Refined Start to New Delhi’s Art and Design Season
The year began with a sense of quiet elegance in New Delhi as The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026 opened its doors at The Chanakya, Chanakyapuri. Over two days, the Atelier offered a rare, intimate way to experience contemporary art and global design—far removed from the crowds and rush of conventional fairs. The event felt less like an exhibition and more like a carefully choreographed journey through creativity, craftsmanship, and design sensibility.
A Curated Collaboration: The Chanakya Meets Imagine Art and Design Fair
The Atelier was a collaboration between The Chanakya and the Imagine Art and Design Fair, a partnership that felt thoughtful at every turn. Founded by Aditi Kapoor and Ruchi Sibal, Imagine has always been about creating spaces where audiences are invited to linger, explore, and converse. Every detail—from the lighting to the placement of each artwork—was designed to encourage curiosity and engagement rather than overwhelm.
Immersive Spaces: Café C Reimagined
The ground floor of The Chanakya, including Café C, had been transformed into a gallery-like sanctuary. Delicate Lladro figurines caught the light in striking ways, while contemporary canvases from Easel Stories drew visitors in with their textures and layering. The space encouraged slowing down, absorbing, and discussing what was seen with fellow attendees. Time seemed to suspend—a luxury in itself.
Art and Design in Dialogue
The Atelier’s strength lay in its curation. Galleries such as Art Magnum, Studio Paradise Contemporary were paired thoughtfully with luxury home and design brands including Baccarat, Jay Strongwater, L’Objet, and Shivan & Narresh Homes. Subtle yet compelling pairings—a sculpture next to a crystal vase, a painting complementing the curves of a designer chair—highlighted the dialogue between mediums and the seamless coexistence of art and design in contemporary living.
Workshops That Invited Participation
Daytime workshops brought the Atelier to life. Leading designers and interior experts—including Shivan & Narresh—spoke candidly about their creative processes, encouraging attendees to engage directly with materials and techniques. Questions were welcomed, impressions shared, and hands-on interactions offered insight into the precision, texture, and craftsmanship behind each piece. These sessions gave a behind-the-scenes perspective typically reserved for collectors and connoisseurs, making the experience deeply personal and engaging.
Evenings of Elegance
As the sun dipped, the Atelier shifted rhythm. Curated gourmet offerings, paired with drinks from Evian and The Balvenie, created an atmosphere where conversations flowed naturally. Evenings were less about spectacle and more about shared appreciation—an understated celebration of creativity and luxury.
Global Partners and Thoughtful Curation
The Atelier’s sensibility was enhanced by its distinguished partners: Heritance Aarah Maldives, BMW Excellence Club, Sepoy & Co, and Bili Hu. Each contributed a layer of thoughtful indulgence, ensuring that the experience felt considered, cohesive, and truly luxurious.
Reflections from Founders and Leadership
Aditi Kapoor and Ruchi Sibal spoke about creating immersive, personal platforms where art, design, and conversation converge. Their vision was apparent in every detail. Saurabh Bharara and Pushpa Bector emphasized that luxury today is defined by experiences that resonate culturally, combining curation, storytelling, and innovation—a philosophy that was evident throughout the Atelier.
A Season Set in Motion
The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026 was more than an exhibition; it was an invitation to experience, explore, and reflect. The Atelier set the tone for New Delhi’s art and design season with quiet confidence, refined intimacy, and a tangible sense of care—reminding everyone that luxury is best experienced slowly, deliberately, and with attention to detail.
Dates: 21 & 22 January 2026
Venue: Café C, The Chanakya, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
