Art Confab 2026 by ITM IDM Unites Innovation, Culture, and Creativity in a Three-Day Design Extravaganza

Mumbai: The Art Confab 2026, organized by ITM Institute of Design and Media (ITM IDM), was held from April 16th to 18th as a dynamic three-day festival celebrating creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Designed as an immersive roadmap for aspiring designers, the event seamlessly integrated industry-led masterclasses, student-driven sports initiatives, and avant-garde fashion showcases, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of artistic exploration and experiential learning.
The opening day set a strong foundation with a focus on industry insights and professional mastery. Students participated in genre-specific masterclasses covering Product and Interior Design, Branding and Visual Communication, Animation and VFX, Portfolio Development, and Styling for Film and OTT. These sessions provided valuable exposure to real-world practices and emerging trends. Adding to the energy of the day was Oorja 2026, a student-led sports festival that fostered teamwork and competitive spirit through turf sports, indoor strategy games, and esports, culminating in a grand prize distribution ceremony.
Day two brought attention to digital innovation, sustainability, and evolving cultural narratives. Participants engaged in specialized workshops on UI/UX Design, Sustainable Drapes, and Content Marketing, gaining hands-on experience with contemporary tools and techniques. A key highlight was the Urban Nomads Fashion Showcase, which presented a streetwear-inspired collection that explored identity through architectural influences, denim textures, and layered silhouettes.
The final day encouraged experimentation and reflection through sessions focused on creative thinking and perspective shifts. Students were challenged to rethink ordinary objects and approach design through fresh, innovative lenses. The festival concluded with the Vedic x Avant-Garde showcase, a powerful presentation that reimagined traditional sarees in a fluid, future-forward form, blending heritage with modern expression.
Nisha Chanda, Dean & Director, ITM Institute of Design and Media, said, “Art Confab 2026 reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready designers by blending industry exposure with creative exploration. It was inspiring to see students engage so passionately across disciplines, pushing boundaries and redefining design through innovation and collaboration.”
Throughout the festival, interactive stalls such as pottery, caricature art, and Polaroid photography, along with a student-led perfumery workshop and a live DJ experience, created a vibrant and immersive atmosphere. The Art Confab 2026 stood as a holistic celebration of design, uniting education, culture, and creativity into one cohesive and inspiring experience.