Hyderabad to Host World’s First Stepwell Art Biennale
The initiative seeks to revive neglected stepwells as active cultural and ecological public spaces.
Hyderabad: Baoli Art Sangam (BAS), an initiative dedicated to reconnecting art, heritage and water wisdom, marked the beginning of its journey with an introductory gathering at Radisson Blu, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Titled The First Step, the gathering introduced the vision behind what is envisioned as the world's first Stepwell Art Biennale, bringing together artists, architects, cultural practitioners, prospective partners and supporters to explore new possibilities for stepwell conservation and cultural engagement.
Successful entrepreneur and philathropist Allu Sneha Reddy was announced the Face of Baoli Art Sangam, and as Chairpersson Culture and Heritage, BAS.
Across the Deccan landscape, stepwells have historically served as more than sources of water. They were architectural marvels and shared public spaces where ecology, craftsmanship, community life and cultural exchange intersected. Today, many of these structures face neglect, making their conservation and revitalisation an important ecological and cultural priority. Baoli Art Sangam seeks to renew public engagement with these historic spaces by connecting their traditional water wisdom with contemporary artistic practices and community participation.
Baoli Art Sangam happening between December 1 and January 10 coincides with the prestigious Telangana Rising Global Summit and other marquee events exponentially expanding the reach of the first art biennale of Hyderabad.
The initiative emerges from the coming together of Kalpana Ramesh, founder of The Rainwater Project, and Annapurna M., founder of EkChitra. An architect and environmentalist, Kalpana Ramesh has championed rainwater harvesting, water self-reliance and the revival of traditional water systems. Through The Rainwater Project, she has worked to bring renewed attention to Hyderabad's water heritage and the importance of sustainable water management. Annapurna M., an artist, curator and gallerist, has established EkChitra as a platform for artistic dialogue, connecting contemporary art with traditional practices, regional narratives and cultural heritage. Their shared vision brings together ecological responsibility and cultural expression to reimagine the role of stepwells in contemporary society.
At the heart of Baoli Art Sangam is the proposed Stepwell Art Biennale, envisioned as a platform for artistic interventions, installations, performances, traditional crafts, culinary experiences and public dialogue across historic stepwell sites. By bringing artists, artisans, architects, researchers and local communities into conversation, the initiative aims to explore how these spaces can become active cultural landscapes once again. Its broader vision also includes documentation, heritage awareness, community-led engagement and conversations around women's historical relationships with water and their role in sustaining shared resources.
The curtain raiser at Raddison Blu, served as the first step towards building this collaborative ecosystem. It introduced the initiative's objectives and proposed programmes while opening conversations with institutional, corporate, CSR and philanthropic partners interested in supporting heritage conservation, water sustainability and cultural development.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalpana Ramesh, Director of Spatial & Ecological Practices, Founder Baoli Art Sangam thanked Vani Prasad, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, & Government of Telangana, for her encouragement and support. She said “The power of heritage-led tourism and community-led conservation gives this initiative the institutional strength it needs to grow beyond one baoli, one city, or one restoration.”
Project Shakti was unveiled during the session, The Project Shakti is born from a simple belief: the women who once shaped, sustained, and safeguarded our stepwells must once again lead their revival. Across centuries, queens, princesses, and women patrons commissioned wells, tanks, and water systems as acts of care for their communities. Kalpana added “ We want to bring that language back, not as history alone, but as a living movement.”
Vani Prasad, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Telangana, said: “Baoli Art Sangam celebrates Telangana’s stepwell heritage and reminds us that water is a shared responsibility. The Tourism and Culture Department is proud to support Baoli Art Sangam, initiative and help it grow into a recurring State-level festival.”
Annapurna M, Artistic Director, Ek Chithra Gallery and Founder Baoli Art Sangam said: “There is no other state with as many restored stepwells as Telangana. As this biennale builds its language, every one of us will want to experience these heritage water sites. I am sure When we bring these locations together for the Baoli Art Sangam, they can be experienced with the city’s comfort and accessibility.”
Through Baoli Art Sangam, the founders envision a future in which the preservation of historic water structures extends beyond architecture to encompass the cultural memories, ecological knowledge and community relationships they hold. The initiative invites stakeholders and the wider public to become part of this journey, recognising that safeguarding stepwells is not only about preserving the past, but also about reimagining a more sustainable and culturally connected future.
The curtain raiser, evening brought together stakeholders, entrepreneurs, heritage advocates, and members of the community in support of Project Shakti and the revival of Telangana’s stepwell heritage.
Distinguished guests who attended the event include Sanjana Reddy and Anuradha Reddy from Dr Reddys Laboratories and Saptaparni Foundation, Jayanthi Reddy from JJ Foundation, artist Padma Reddy, senior journalist Uma Sudhir, Sairam Reddy, Co-Founder, EkChitra Gallery and Executive Director, Baoli Art Sangam.