MUMBAI : Celebrated annually in the vibrant heart of Mumbai, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a cultural extravaganza that transforms the historic precinct into a bustling gallery, showcasing a myriad of artistic expressions. With a commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and fostering inclusivity in the art world, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has become a hallmark event, drawing art enthusiasts, creators, and communities together.

Smirnoff Lemon Pop is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, uniting to champion inclusivity and diversity through a cultural celebration. This collaboration is an ode to the power of unity in fostering positive change. Staying true to its idea of ‘We Do We’, that aims to create a sense of belonging in a world that often feels fragmented.  Smirnoff Lemon Pop’s “We Do We” serves as a rallying cry for individuals to embrace the power of the collective and celebrate the diversity that enriches our world.

In a world where family extends beyond biological ties, this collaboration recognizes the journey of transgender individuals, who may find identity solace and support in non-biological families. Mumbai’s iconic Kalanjee House, called the Smirnoff house for the duration of the festival, will be transformed into a canvas of expressions, showcasing family portraits capturing the diversity of the hijra community and who they call their families. Photographed by talented individuals from the LGBTQ community, each portrait tells a unique story.

“Smirnoff has been at the forefront of giving voice to causes and commitment to foster various aspects of inclusivity across platforms as manifested in our call of “We do We”. Our collaboration with the Kala Ghoda Art Festival is a step to support a world where the power of creativity, diversity, and inclusivity transcends cliches and boundaries. Through this initiative, we bring to the foray the definition of family beyond the obvious one; we are enabling to rewrite the narrative of empowerment for the transgender community. Smirnoff Lemon Pop through the Smirnoff Project, stands proud as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating a transformative impact we strive to create in the world” says Shweta Jain, Chief Business Development Officer, Diageo India.

“We are happy to welcome Smirnoff Lemon Pop to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival this year. With The Family Exhibit centered around themes of inclusivity and belonging, The Smirnoff House promises to be a dynamic space at the intersection of arts and diversity. The curated discussions and performances are set to spark engaging dialogues offering a delightful blend of perspectives. This partnership will add a unique dimension to our festival and we look forward to enriching KGAF with this meaningful collaboration” states Brinda Mille, Project Director of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

The exhibition that will go live from the 25th of January, 2024, until the end of the festival at the Smirnoff House, will feature three distinct types of portraits for each individual, the different families they’re a part of and the multiple meanings ‘family’ has in their lives. The experience at Smirnoff House presented by Smirnoff Lemon Pop aims to show these ‘found’ families through a series of ‘family portraits.

To breathe life into these captivating family portraits, Smirnoff Lemon Pop has joined forces with four talented ally photographers: Zoya Lobo, India’s First Trans Photojournalist. Raqeeb Raza, Wanda Hendricks, and Mohit Tiwari. Together, they skillfully capture the essence and diversity of the chosen families within the transgender community, turning each photograph into a powerful testament of resilience and unity.

Experience a captivating array of discussions and performances at the Smirnoff House during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival from 25th to 28th, offering art enthusiasts a unique blend of perspectives. Dive into the intriguing dialogue of “Reframing the Narrative: Transgender Rights and Poetic Possibilities,” where Trinetra Gummaraju and Rohini Ramanathan explore the intricate layers of sexual representation in the arts. Shifting gears, the culinary world takes center stage in “The Travel Stories of Masala Memsahib,” featuring Karen Anand in discussion with Anisha Oommen about her latest food-memoir.