Sawai Jai Singh II designed the Pink City that we see today, and the current Maharaja is shaping its future with some of the most incredible landmarks and experiences. If the 2020s were to be labeled for Jaipur, it would undoubtedly be the decade of cultural renaissance. From the recently unveiled Jaipur Heritage Festival to the newly launched The Sculpture Park at Jaigarh Fort; from the revitalised glory of the historic Jaipur Polo Team to the newly debuted “The Sarvato,” His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh (the debonair representative of the royal family of Jaipur) ensures the past is never let go, even as the future is pursued.
The newest and most significant jewel in this vision is The Jaipur Centre for Art (JCA), an art institution housed within the City Palace, a collaboration between him and his dear friend, contemporary art specialist Noelle Kadar. It accommodates an exhibition space for contemporary art and design, along with artist residencies and public art initiatives.
Architecture+Design sat down with Padmanabh and Noelle for an in-depth conversation, where they revealed the story behind JCA—its positioning in Jaipur’s heritage, its mission to reshape the city’s cultural future, and the bold path they’re carving by synthetising history with contemporary art. Find excerpts from the interview below:
What inspired you to establish JCA, and how did the idea of merging Jaipur’s incredible history with contemporary art come about?
Padmanabh Singh (PS): The inspiration behind the JCA lies in Jaipur’s unique cultural DNA—a city that seamlessly blends history and creativity. Jaipur has always been a city of artistic expression, from its architecture to its craftsmanship, and I wanted to create a platform that honours this legacy while inviting contemporary voices to be a part of the dialogue. The idea was to merge the timelessness of Jaipur’s heritage with the vibrancy of modern art practices, creating a space that speaks to both tradition and innovation. JCA is not just a tribute to Jaipur’s artistic past but also a step forward in shaping its cultural future. By establishing a global meeting point for artists, curators and galleries, we hope to position Jaipur as a key destination for contemporary art—a place where the past inspires the present, and new ideas can flourish.
JCA aims to foster an inclusive art space. How do you curate exhibitions and programming that represent both the local and global art scenes?
Noelle Kadar (NK): At JCA, our approach to curation is rooted in creating a dialogue between Jaipur’s vibrant artistic traditions and the broader global art landscape. We want our exhibitions and programming to reflect a dynamic interplay of perspectives, where local heritage and contemporary global practices coexist and inspire one another. By collaborating with curators like Peter Nagy and inviting both Indian and international artists, we ensure that JCA offers a balanced representation of diverse voices.
Our programming also extends beyond exhibitions. By hosting artist talks, workshops, and community events, we aim to make art accessible and relevant to a wide audience—whether they’re seasoned collectors, first-time visitors, or local artisans. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s this philosophy that helps us bridge the gap between local traditions and global artistic narratives.
As an institution that bridges diverse artistic practices, what do you see as the core values that JCA wants to instill in both artists and the audience?
PS: At JCA, our core values are rooted in connection, collaboration and cultural exchange. We want to inspire artists and audiences alike to view art as a bridge—one that connects history with the present, local traditions with global innovation. For artists, JCA offers a platform to explore their creativity in an environment that encourages experimentation and dialogue. For our audience, we aim to create immersive experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation of art’s transformative power. We also emphasise inclusivity, ensuring that our programs and exhibitions represent diverse perspectives and practices. Ultimately, JCA seeks to foster a sense of curiosity and respect for both heritage and contemporary expression, creating a space where ideas can thrive and evolve.
JCA’s location within the City Palace is a significant one. How does the physical space itself inspire or shape the type of art that is displayed?
NK: The City Palace is more than just a venue—it’s an integral part of JCA’s identity. Its grandeur and history provide a unique context that challenges artists to think differently about how their work is displayed and experienced. The juxtaposition of contemporary art within such a historic setting creates a powerful narrative that connects the past with the present. The palace’s architecture also influences the curation process. Its intricate details and expansive spaces inspire artists to experiment with scale, materials, and storytelling, resulting in works that are deeply site-specific and transformative.
Jaipur has long been celebrated for its rich history and craftsmanship, yet it’s never been a major hub for contemporary art. What motivated you and Noelle to fill this gap, and how do you envision JCA transforming the city’s cultural narrative?
PS: Noelle and I saw an incredible opportunity to position Jaipur as more than a city of historical significance—it’s a place brimming with potential for creative exploration. While Jaipur’s legacy in crafts and heritage is well-known, its story as a space for contemporary art is just beginning. We wanted to provide a platform that connects Jaipur’s traditional strengths with the dynamism of modern artistic practices, creating a new cultural narrative for the city.
As the scion of Jaipur’s royal family, you have a deep connection to the city’s history. How does your family’s heritage influence your vision for JCA and its role within the contemporary art world?
PS: Jaipur’s founder, Sawai Jai Singh II, had a visionary approach. He imagined Jaipur as a city that was not only beautiful but dynamic and relevant to its time. That vision continues to inspire me as I strive to make Jaipur a thriving cultural destination. Being deeply connected to Jaipur’s heritage, I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to preserve and promote both traditional and contemporary arts. My family’s patronage of the arts goes back centuries, and this legacy has always inspired me to continue supporting creative traditions that define Jaipur’s cultural identity. Historically, places like the City Palace were more than royal residences; they were vibrant hubs of activity, providing work and opportunities for artisans and craftsmen, many of whom were brought to Jaipur by my ancestors. Today, as some of these traditional art forms face the risk of being lost, I see it as my mission to support and sustain them, ensuring they remain relevant and cherished in a modern context.
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What have been the most rewarding aspects of building this space, and how has your personal vision evolved throughout this process?
NK: One of the most fulfilling aspects of building JCA has been witnessing the transformative potential of art within Jaipur’s historical context. Seeing contemporary works breathe new life into the City Palace has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces where people can connect, reflect, and be inspired.
Personally, my vision for JCA has evolved to embrace the idea of Jaipur as a cultural incubator. It’s no longer just about showcasing art; it’s about nurturing creativity and building a sustainable ecosystem where artists, curators, and the local community can thrive together.
JCA’s inaugural exhibition featured internationally acclaimed artists alongside Indian talent. How do you see JCA playing a role in fostering global artistic dialogue, and what are your future plans to bridge the gap between Indian and international art scenes?
PS: The inaugural exhibition sets the tone for what JCA aims to achieve—a platform that celebrates both Indian and international talent. By showcasing diverse works within the historic City Palace, we’re creating a dialogue that connects different artistic practices and perspectives. This interplay between global and local art not only enriches the experience for audiences but also positions Jaipur as a vital link in the international art scene. Moving forward, we plan to continue fostering this dialogue through curated exhibitions, collaborations with international galleries and our artist residency program.
What challenges did you face in curating an inaugural exhibition that showcased both Indian and international artists? How do you navigate cultural sensitivities while promoting global perspectives?
NK: Working on and planning JCA has truly been a rewarding journey. HH and I are thrilled to see the vision for JCA come to life and contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. While there weren’t any extraordinary challenges along the way, the key question we consistently revisited was: what makes this place truly unique? How do we create a model that not only serves the local community but also resonates with the many visitors to Jaipur and the artists and exhibitions we aim to showcase? This focus has guided every step of our process.
How does JCA’s residency program foster deeper connections between artists and the local community, and what sets it apart from other residency initiatives?
PS: The residency program is designed to be deeply immersive, offering artists a chance to engage directly with Jaipur’s cultural and artistic heritage. By residing within the City Palace complex, artists can collaborate with local craftsmen, explore the archives of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, and incorporate indigenous materials into their work. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about building relationships and fostering a shared understanding of how tradition and innovation can coexist and inspire one another.
Looking ahead, what upcoming exhibitions or special events are you most excited about in 2025, and what can visitors expect to see in terms of new art forms or experimental ideas?
NK: 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for JCA. One of the highlights is our collaboration on the 5th edition of The Sculpture Park at Jaigarh Fort, which will feature cutting-edge installations that reimagine the use of historical spaces. The Vijay Garhi structure offers a stark yet beautiful contrast to the traditional gallery setting, allowing artists to experiment with scale and materials in new ways. Visitors can expect a mix of immersive experiences and thought-provoking works that challenge conventional ideas of art. Our goal is to push boundaries while staying true to Jaipur’s cultural essence.
What is your long-term vision for Jaipur Centre for Art, and how do you plan to create a sustainable model for artists, patrons, and the cultural community?
NK: Our long-term vision is for JCA to become a cornerstone of Jaipur’s cultural identity—a space that’s recognized globally for its commitment to innovation and collaboration. Sustainability is key to this vision, and we’re focusing on creating programs that benefit all stakeholders. For artists, our residency program provides a platform to engage deeply with Jaipur’s heritage while creating contemporary works. For patrons, we’re curating exclusive events and educational initiatives that foster a deeper connection to the art world. And for the local community, we’re committed to creating opportunities for interaction and exchange, ensuring that JCA remains accessible and inclusive.
With JCA’s vision of bringing contemporary art into a historical setting, what role do you think art plays in shaping the cultural identity of cities like Jaipur, especially in a country where the narrative around traditional art and modernity is evolving?
NK: Art plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity because it allows cities like Jaipur to tell their stories in ways that resonate with the present while honoring the past. In India, where traditional art and modernity often coexist in fascinating ways, contemporary art can act as a bridge between these two worlds. At JCA, we’re embracing this duality by creating spaces where heritage and innovation can meet. By showcasing contemporary works in a historical context, we’re not only preserving Jaipur’s legacy but also reimagining it for a global audience. This approach not only enhances Jaipur’s cultural narrative but also positions it as a city that celebrates both its traditions and its future.
