Interview with Brinda Miller: Artist, Festival Director and Art Visionary

An interview with Brinda Miller, Artist, Art and Heritage Catalyst, Festival Director & The Pioneer of Public Art in Mumbai

Brinda Miller is a pioneering force in Mumbai’s art and cultural landscape. As an artist, art and heritage catalyst, and festival director, she has redefined public art in the city, creating spaces for dialogue and engagement.

In this interview, Brinda shares her journey, the evolution of public art in Mumbai, and her vision for the future of art in the urban environment.

Can you tell us about your early experiences that led you to become a pioneer of public art in Mumbai?

Brinda Miller: Growing up, I was greatly influenced by my father, who served as the Sheriff of Mumbai twice and was deeply committed to enhancing public life. His primary focus was to beautify the city he loved, a sentiment I share wholeheartedly.

For me, Mumbai holds a special place, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to its growth and aesthetic.

As an artist, I sought to go beyond the efforts of my father, who was instrumental in planting trees and whitewashing walls throughout the city. I envisioned murals as a way to further elevate Mumbai’s beauty, combining artistic expression with urban revitalization to create a lasting impact on the city’s landscape.

What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in Mumbai’s public art landscape over the years?

Brinda Miller: Bringing art to public spaces in Mumbai has always been a dream of mine; however, in recent years, I’ve observed a shift that has led to a lack of curation in some public art projects.

For instance, even stone walls are now being painted by artists, which detracts from the intended vision of thoughtfully placed, curated art.

Despite this, there is still hope, especially as we see sculptures and statues being installed in public spaces, such as on various islands throughout the city.

One notable example is the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which showcases an impressive range of public art and installations that resonate with audiences in a unique and meaningful way.

Such initiatives are rare and truly inspiring. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to enhance Mumbai’s aesthetic further by prioritizing green spaces—planting more trees, incorporating street furniture, and improving city lighting and lampposts.

By introducing benches and increasing greenery, we can significantly improve the city’s beauty, making it not only a cultural hub but also a more welcoming and sustainable urban environment.

Can you share some of your favorite public art projects you’ve been involved with and what made them special?

Brinda Miller: The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival remains my most prominent and well-known public art initiative. While the festival is temporary, it has left a lasting impact, particularly in the Kala Ghoda area, where I succeeded in having several buildings painted, transforming the urban landscape.

Among my personal favorite projects was the collaboration with various artists to paint traffic police stations across the city. Although only a few of these murals have withstood the test of time, I consider them some of my most cherished contributions to Mumbai’s public art scene.

How do you curate the artistic content of a festival to ensure it resonates with a diverse audience?

Brinda Miller: Our core vision has always been to create a diverse artistic experience that resonates with a broad audience. We aim to showcase a variety of art forms, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, ensuring that our programming appeals to everyone.

This inclusive approach was established early in the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and within just a few years, we succeeded in broadening the festival’s reach.

Initially attracting a more elite audience, the festival has evolved to engage a wider demographic. Today, one noticeable shift is that our audience has become increasingly younger, reflecting the festival’s growing appeal across generations.

What advice would you give to young artists and cultural entrepreneurs who want to make an impact in their cities?

Brinda Miller: My advice to young artists is to seek broader exposure beyond the confines of the internet. It is essential to engage with the world around them, whether through traveling, visiting galleries, or interacting with the artistic community.

For art curators, I encourage them to gain as much experience as possible and to continually refine their craft. I also emphasize the importance of dreaming big—setting ambitious goals and relentlessly striving to push boundaries.

Aspiring artists should always aim for more, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and advancement in their creative journey.

What role do you think art plays in social change, particularly in urban environments like Mumbai?

Brinda Miller: Mumbai is fortunate to be a melting pot of diverse cultures, drawing people from all walks of life with varied interests, whether in food, entertainment, or the arts.

Bollywood, which has its origins here, plays a significant role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape and has undoubtedly made India proud on the global stage.

Regarding the role of art in social change, I believe it is essential, particularly in a city like Mumbai, where cultural institutions like museums and art galleries foster creativity and stimulate new ways of thinking.

Art has the power to raise awareness and offer perspectives that might be overlooked in smaller cities, influencing the way people perceive the world around them.

However, one thing I appreciate about other places compared to Mumbai is the eagerness of their audiences.

Artists visiting these regions often find that audiences are incredibly receptive and eager to engage with them, which stands in contrast to the often more complacent attitudes of Mumbai’s audience, who may take access to such cultural experiences for granted.

Despite this, I must acknowledge that Mumbai offers the best and most diverse audience in India, one that is deeply engaged in the arts and culture.

Brinda Miller’s work continues to inspire and challenge traditional boundaries, reshaping how public art is perceived in Mumbai. Her commitment to art as a means of community engagement and cultural preservation highlights the transformative power of creativity in urban spaces.

With her visionary leadership, the future of public art in Mumbai looks more inclusive, interactive, and impactful than ever before. Through her efforts, art remains a living, breathing element of the city’s identity.

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