Hello, policy enthusiasts!
Heard of the India Biennale already? 👀
Between Delhi’s usual winter smog, AQI alerts and traffic chaos, the capital has something rather different taking centre stage this December! For 108 days, iconic spaces from the Red Fort to Qutub Minar will become a canvas for art, architecture and design.
But what does a city’s investment in art tell us about its priorities, its people and the kind of spaces it wants to create? And what happens when creativity enters the policy room?
This edition, we’re exploring the intersection of art and policy, alongside four opportunities worth checking out and upcoming events to add to your calendar.
Let’s dive in!
💼 Opportunities Worth Applying to:
1. The Student Biennale 2026-27 | Ministry of Culture & Ardee Foundation
The Student Biennale invites student artists and creative practitioners from educational institutions across India to explore India’s cultural heritage through art, design, architecture, research, storytelling and lived experiences.
Selected participants will get an opportunity to showcase their work at Purana Qila, New Delhi, as part of the India Biennale.
Deadline: 15 November 2026
Venue: Purana Qila, New Delhi
Who should apply: Students interested in art, architecture, design and creative practice.
2. Winter Research Internship 2026–27 | CRGD
Looking to spend your winter break working on real policy research? The Centre for Research on Governance and Development is inviting applications for a six-to-eight-week research internship with its team.
Deadline: 15 November 2026
Who should apply: Students and aspiring researchers interested in public policy and research.
3. Executive Assistant to the Trustee | TYCIA Foundation
Work directly with the Trustee, an Ashoka Fellow and Obama Scholar from Columbia University, helping drive strategic priorities and build a social impact organisation.
Location: New Delhi
Who should apply: Early-career professionals with strong communication skills, initiative and an interest in social impact.
4. Consultant / Senior Consultant – Government Advisory | Ernst & Young (EY)
An opportunity to work on government advisory, public-sector transformation and policy implementation, engaging with government stakeholders.
Location: Puducherry
Experience: 3-8 years
Who should apply: Professionals with government consulting experience and strong analytical and stakeholder-management skills.
Looking for more? Explore the PPI Career Database for internships, fellowships, scholarships and job opportunities.
💬 Policy Charcha: One Thing to Learn This Week!
Can creativity really change the way we govern?
Let’s take a closer look at how art can shape public policy
Around the world, governments are finding ways to use art and culture not just as forms of expression, but as tools to shape public spaces, revitalise communities and create economic opportunities.
🇫🇷 France: Through its 1% artistique policy, 1% of the construction cost of certain public buildings is allocated to commissioning or acquiring artworks. [Read more]
🇯🇵 Japan: Its WITH ART Start Up Guideline encourages art projects in public and unused spaces to revitalise local and regional communities. [Read more]
🇸🇬 Singapore: Its Our SG Arts Plan (2023–2027) makes culture more accessible while investing in creative talent and cultural infrastructure. [Read more]
🇰🇷 South Korea: Seoul uses cultural programming and heritage conservation to strengthen its identity as a global cultural destination. [Read more]
The bigger picture? Investing in creativity can also mean investing in tourism, local businesses, creative livelihoods and the identity of cities themselves.
🎥 This week’s watch: Can creativity drive an economy?
This short UNESCO explainer explores how creativity can generate jobs, support livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development.
🌐 From the PPI Community:
What happens when art walks into the policy room?
We’ve been exploring this question in this week’s edition, but it’s also one we took up at our Bangalore Policy Circle, Chitrasabha.
The idea was simple: What if we looked at policy a little differently? What can art, visual storytelling and creative expression bring to conversations that are often dominated by reports, data and frameworks?
We had Sanyam Bajaj share the stories and experiences behind his Drishya Kala Klima series, and how they translated into policy and research. Mallika Sridhar, meanwhile, brought in perspectives from the public affairs space, highlighting why it’s important to step beyond our glass doors and understand the realities of the communities policy is meant to serve.
Want to be part of the next conversation?
PPI Policy Circles are back this November! Come curious, bring your perspectives and be part of conversations that make us look at policy a little differently.
Stay tuned for the next one!
👨🏫 Hearing From the Expert:
In conversation with Abhishek, a lawyer currently working as a consultant at the intersection of policy, impact, and strategy with socially conscious organisations across diverse niches.
You have a very diverse profile, could you please tell us more about your work?
I have worked with institutions such as The Convergence Foundation (TCF), DAKSH, Mantra4Change, Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), and Civis, covering policy domains from education and AI policy to pre‑legislative consultation, judicial reform, and economic growth. In these roles, I have focussed on institution building and strategy design, prepared policy and analytical briefs, and made proposals for policy reforms. My work has involved ideating and building theories of change, translating organisational vision into tangible action, engaging external stakeholders to strengthen community building, and exploring synergies to scale impact.
What skills would a person wanting to pursue a similar path require?
Operating in this space demands strong problem‑solving ability, sharp research and analytical skills, effective communication, and a deep pulse on the ecosystem and its key stakeholders, all essential to navigating complex policy landscapes and driving meaningful change.
📅 Events to Look Out For:
A few upcoming events to add to your calendar:
ILA National Webinar: Who should govern India? New Delhi, the states, or the people?
A national webinar exploring federalism, decentralisation and the distribution of power between the Central Government, states and local authorities, and what this means for India’s democratic future.
Date: 21 November 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST
Venue: Online (Microsoft Teams)
Economic transformation through AI: Policy and Practice
A half-day workshop organised by IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy at the India International Centre, exploring the intersection of AI, economic transformation and public policy.
Date: 17 November, 2026
Venue: India International Centre, New Delhi
Click here to explore more events:
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See you next week!!