Art stands among humanity’s most enduring expressions; a mirror to society, a catalyst for ideas and a legacy that transcends generations. Across time and civilisations, art has not merely reflected the world as it is but imagined the world as it could be.
In India, a nation defined by pluralism, memory and imagination, art has played a vital role in shaping cultural consciousness and public dialogue. It is in recognition of this timeless significance that NDTV is curating the Masterstroke Art Awards, a platform dedicated to honouring artistic excellence and those who nurture, shape and advance the cause of art in India.
Conceived as more than an awards ceremony, Masterstroke is envisioned as a cultural institution: one that recognises not only artists, but also curators, patrons, institutions and ideas that have strengthened India’s artistic ecosystem across generations. As India’s first private news channel, NDTV has played a pioneering role in shaping the country’s media landscape. Since its inception, NDTV has been committed to credible journalism, thoughtful storytelling and agenda-setting conversations. This commitment has extended beyond news and current affairs into culture, ideas and the arts — areas that define the soul of a society as much as its politics or economy.
Long before art entered mainstream public discourse, NDTV engaged with Indian artists and creative communities with seriousness, depth and purpose. Through sustained coverage, documentaries, conversations, and cultural programming, NDTV has consistently treated art not as a peripheral pursuit, but as an essential part of public life and national identity. The Masterstroke Art Awards carry this legacy forward.
The Masterstroke Art Awards are not just a celebration of achievement; they are an affirmation of art’s enduring role in shaping who we are as individuals, communities and as a nation.