WE ARE THE STREETS
St+Art is using street art to transform civic spaces in our metros
Delhi-based nonprofit organisation St+Art India Foundation turns public space into an art gallery with inspiring street art. Headed by graffiti artist Hanif Qureshi, the organisation’s recent work in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru has resulted in a transformation of run-of-the-mill public spaces into mammoth artworks that stand out with a dramatic flourish against the dull colours of urban decay. “‘Street art gives freedom to artists, a wider canvas, and gives those who have never had access an avenue to appreciate art,” says Qureshi. These have become public art spaces where people from connoussiuers to commuters interact and get inspired. St+Art’s primary motive is to educate the public about art and to beautify and reclaim civic spaces and transform them. The organisation works primarily within residential neighbourhoods—they are credited with creating the country’s first public art district in Lodhi Colony, Delhi. St+art is also collaborating with metro rail corporations to create art spaces in daily transit corridors. St+Art India’s experiments to create a visual dialogue between artists and government is a unique and significant initiative in public art history in India.