By Bhavya Balamurali
An Indian art fair is usually easy to recognize. The format of galleries, booths and artworks arranged within defined spaces is so familiar that it can feel almost inevitable.
Artix began with a simple question: what happens when that format is changed?
Founded by Payal Kapoor and Malvika Poddar, Artix introduced a different way of experiencing an art fair in India by bringing artworks into hotel rooms. Instead of the usual exhibition hall setup, the fair unfolds inside a hotel, turning each room into a more personal, lived-in space for art. As India’s first hotel art fair, Artix introduced a distinctly different proposition to the country’s art fair landscape, resulting in an experience that feels more intimate, more immediate and perhaps a little less intimidating.
The idea behind the platform was to make art more approachable, particularly for young collectors and first-time buyers. Bringing together emerging talent and accessible price points within an informal setting allowed Artix to approach the experience of discovering and collecting art differently. The hotel format became an important part of that, placing artworks within spaces that audiences could relate to and imagine within their own lives.
Makvika Poddar and Payal Kapoor, Founders of Artix
For a first-time collector, entering the art world can mean navigating an unfamiliar vocabulary, established networks and the perception that collecting belongs to those who already know how to participate. Artix attempts to ease that entry point by changing the nature of the encounter itself. Rather than approaching art through the established conventions of a traditional fair, audiences are given the opportunity to spend time with works in a setting that feels more familiar.
Over five editions, this idea has grown into a platform bringing together emerging artists, galleries, collectors and first-time buyers. The founders’ focus has remained on creating opportunities for young artists while building an audience that is curious about art and increasingly interested in collecting. The development of that audience has become an important part of Artix’s journey, particularly as first-time buyers return and begin to build their own collections.
Now, Artix 5.0 will be held on August 22 and 23, 2026, at The Claridges, New Delhi, where 21 hotel rooms will be transformed into curated exhibition spaces. The edition will bring together galleries, artists, designers, jewellers and creative brands, alongside talks, artist conversations and guided walkthroughs. It also introduces Artist in Focus, highlighting emerging talent, alongside a special presentation celebrating the life and legacy of K. G. Subramanyan.
The programming brings the artists shaping the present and future into dialogue with artistic legacies that continue to influence them. It reflects how Artix has developed beyond simply rethinking the physical format of an art fair, while continuing to create space for emerging artists and new audiences.
For Kapoor and Poddar, five editions have also meant learning how to sustain the platform, from building relationships with artists and galleries to developing an audience and balancing the creative and commercial sides of the art world. The question of accessibility remains central to that process, particularly the idea that collecting should not feel limited to established collectors or those with large budgets.
As Artix 5.0 prepares to open, the hotel remains the setting, but the platform continues to expand its conversation around artists, audiences and collecting.
In conversation with ACF India, Payal Kapoor and Malvika Poddar reflect on how Artix began, what five editions have taught them, the thinking behind its hotel format, and what they hope Artix 5.0 will make possible.
ACF India: What gap in India’s art ecosystem led you to create Artix?
Payal & Malvika: We wanted to create a platform that made art more approachable, particularly for young collectors and first-time buyers. Artix was conceived to bring together emerging talent and accessible price points in an environment that felt intimate, informal and inviting.
ACF India: How has the hotel setting changed the way people experience art?
Payal & Malvika: The hotel setting makes art feel more personal and relatable. Visitors can experience works in a lived-in environment and imagine them in their own homes. It also makes discovering young artists and building a collection feel less intimidating.
ACF India: What has building Artix across five editions taught you?
Payal & Malvika: We’ve learnt that consistency, strong relationships and a clear vision are key. Our focus has always been on creating meaningful opportunities for young artists while building an audience that is curious, engaged and increasingly interested in collecting art.
ACF India: What do you feel Artix has established within India’s art landscape?
Payal & Malvika: We believe Artix has created a space where young artists can be discovered and new collectors can begin their journey. Seeing first-time buyers return, discover artists and gradually build collections has been incredibly encouraging.
ACF India: How do you approach the relationship between art and its commercial value?
Payal & Malvika: For us, accessibility is an important part of the Artix philosophy. We want to create opportunities for artists while making collecting feel achievable for a wider audience. Art should not always feel out of reach, and Artix aims to bridge that gap.
ACF India: What does Artix 5.0 represent for the platform?
Payal & Malvika: Artix 5.0 is a natural evolution of our vision. With Artist in Focus, we continue to spotlight emerging talent, while the tribute to K. G. Subramanyan brings an important legacy into the conversation. It is about connecting established art history with the next generation of artists.
ACF India: What has building Artix together taught you as co-founders?
Payal & Malvika: It has taught us the importance of different perspectives while staying committed to one shared vision. We’ve learnt to take risks, adapt and constantly ask how we can make Artix more meaningful for artists and audiences.
ACF India: What is one misconception about collecting that Artix has made you question?
Payal & Malvika: That collecting art is only for established collectors or people with very large budgets. We believe there is art for everyone and that collecting can begin with one meaningful piece. Artix is about making that first step easier.
ACF India: Where do you see Artix five years from now?
Payal & Malvika: We would like Artix to become an even stronger platform for young artists and young collectors—a place where new talent is discovered and where more people feel confident taking their first step into the world of art.
