About Us

The Indigo Art Museum is the world’s first institution solely dedicated to indigo. The Museum unveils the phenomenon of indigo, delving deep into its fascinating history and celebrating its global influence on trade, cultural exchange and artistic expression.

Living Museum

The Indigo Art Museum is a groundbreaking institution dedicated to exploring the rich history, artistic expression and diverse applications of Indigo. The Museum transcends mere exhibition: it is a vibrant platform for exploration that has brought together various artists through the medium of Indigo.

At the Indigo Art Museum, your curiosity is our invitation. Step into a world where the captivating story of indigo unfolds. Discover its history, explore its artistic possibilities, and ignite your creative spirit. Just like Indigo is more than a colour, the Indigo Art Museum is more than just a museum, it is an homage to a legacy of innovation and experimentation.

The museum envisions itself as a ‘living museum’, a laboratory of ideas and practices that offers a glimpse into the enduring power of this remarkable dye through explorations with indigo in various materials in its modern context. The Indigo Art Museum offers a glimpse into the enduring power of this remarkable dye.

Vision

To be a global epicenter that celebrates the rich heritage and boundless creativity of indigo, weaving together its past, present, and future as a symbol of innovation, artistic expression, and cultural exchange.

Mission

To establish the world’s most comprehensive collection of indigo artworks and create a living museum where tradition meets innovation.

To serve as a platform for artisans, artists, designers, and technologists to explore and push the boundaries of indigo across art, design, and science.

To inspire collaboration and co-creation through residencies, workshops, and public programs, fostering a global dialogue around indigo’s significance.

To honour and preserve the legacy of indigo while championing its relevance in contemporary art, design, and sustainable practices.

To connect communities, industries, and creative minds in reimagining indigo beyond textiles, as a medium for endless innovation.

Artist Incubator Initiative

Artistic Exploration and Innovation

The Artistic Incubator Initiative was established by the Museum in 2024 with the primary goal to encourage and support the exploration of indigo’s artistic potential in contemporary art and design. The artist incubator initiative fulfils this goal through the following:

Hosting artist residencies and workshops providing emerging and professionally established artists with opportunities to experiment with indigo in different mediums.

Organizing exhibitions featuring contemporary artwork that utilizes indigo in innovative ways, highlighting its versatility as an artistic tool.

Establishing an artist-in-residence program inviting renowned artists to create new works using indigo.

Partnering with art schools and design institutions to promote indigo as a medium for artistic exploration.

History

Arvind’s story is deeply intertwined with indigo. Arvind was a pioneer of indigo-dyed denim production in India (becoming the world’s third-largest producer by 1991) and a witnesses to the rich history this dye holds.

Indigo’s significance extends far beyond its vibrant hue. As a material, natural indigo captures the vast linkages of regional and international trade since Harappan civilization to the present, and in India, its story is intricately woven with India’s fight for freedom. The Indigo Revolts, sparked by unfair treatment of farmers during colonial rule, became a pivotal chapter in our independence movement. Arvind’s own history reflects this connection. Founded in solidarity with Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement, Arvind has always championed Indian-made, high-quality textiles – a commitment that continues to define us today.

The Arvind Indigo Foundation

A commitment to heritage and innovation

The Indigo Art Museum initiative is supported by the Arvind Indigo Foundation, a not-for-profit institution established in 2021 to promote and preserve the history, culture and art of Indigo and other natural dyes and promote innovation and experimentation through their use in contemporary art and design.

Located in Ahmedabad, the museum’s location reflects Arvind’s deep roots in India’s textile industry. Indigo has been instrumental in Arvind Limited’s growth story. The museum represents Arvind’s commitment to not only preserving the traditional arts using Indigo but also fostering its evolution in the modern world.

Beyond Exhibitions

The Indigo Art Museum is a global first: a museum dedicated to a single material, showcasing its myriad expressions across art, design, fashion and history. The museum aims to cultivate an ecosystem that breathes new life into this ancient dye by connecting artists, laboratories, manufacturers and farmers. It is a story of continuing innovation through artist residencies, collaborations, workshops and educational programs.