The third edition of the biennial arts festival promises six days of immersive art, music, performance, and community engagement in Panjim.
Panjim : The Goa Open Arts Foundation today announced the launch of the 3rd edition of its biennial festival, set to take over the historic Old GMC Complex in Panjim from 20 to 25 February 2026. Staying true to its artist-led vision, the festival will once again serve as a dynamic platform for Goa’s creative community to converge, exchange ideas, and showcase new work.
This year’s edition features a robust lineup of curated exhibitions. Highlights include ‘Threads through time: textile art from Goa’, a group show curated by Sitara Chowfla that explores the region’s rich textile heritage, and ‘What Remains: lens based work’, a photography exhibition developed in collaboration with Gurgaon-based MuseoCamera. The festival will also host a special solo exhibition by Iranian-French artist Christine Khonjie, whose practice delves into ancient history and mythology, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to Goa.
The main exhibition hall will feature works by prominent artists including Bhisaji Gadekar, Kaamna Patel, and the Owl House Art collective. Expanding its programming, the 2026 festival introduces three new initiatives. The LiveBox will offer an immersive space for theatre, music, and a curated evening of queer performance art. In a major expansion for younger audiences, a dedicated SkatePark and Children’s Pavilion will host workshops blending play and experimentation.
The weekend programming intensifies with over nine musical acts featuring Goa-based talent like the Goa Jazz Academy and Lojal, complemented by a film segment showcasing more than 15 feature-length and short films. Shaped by curators including Nariyal Paani (Music) and Anveer Mehta (LiveBox), the Goa Open Arts Festival 2026 invites the public to celebrate the multifaceted creative spirit of the state.