Nita Ambani brings India's cultural legacy to New York with three-day Lincoln Center showcase
This September, New York City will witness a vibrant celebration of Indian arts and heritage as the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) stages its first-ever international showcase at Lincoln Center. From September 12 to 14, philanthropist and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani will host the three-day cultural event. The NMACC Weekend aims to bring Indian creativity to the global forefront through an expansive music, dance, fashion, and artisanal crafts program marking a significant milestone for the Mumbai-based cultural institution, which was launched in 2023 with the vision of becoming a global platform for Indian storytelling.Inspired by world-renowned venues such as The Met and Sydney Opera House, Ambani admitted to spending over a decade shaping the NMACC's multidisciplinary identity. Since its opening, the space has hosted a variety of productions—from Indian classical concerts to Broadway musicals and contemporary art installations.The New York edition will open with Grand Swagat, an exclusive gala. This special evening will feature a curated fashion showcase by designer Manish Malhotra under the Swadesh label and a specially designed Indian menu by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna.On the performance front, the weekend lineup will feature celebrated Indian artists, including Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, and Rishab Sharma. Also making its international premiere is The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation, a large-scale production directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, initially created for NMACC's Mumbai debut. The musical narrates over 7,000 years of Indian history through song, dance, and theatrical spectacle.In addition to ticketed shows, Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park will reportedly transform into a cultural mela (fair), offering free experiences such as yoga sessions led by wellness expert Eddie Stern, Bollywood dance workshops with choreographer Shiamak Davar, and panel discussions on cricket. A Swadesh artisan bazaar will also be set up, showcasing Indian crafts and textiles by artisans specially flown in for the event.'We want to place Indian arts at the heart of the global cultural conversation,' said Ambani. 'I'm excited to bring a slice of India to New York and share our centuries-old storytelling tradition with the world.'
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